I’LL ENLIGHTEN CABINET, SAYS CARMICHAEL
NEW Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael yesterday pledged to take his Cabinet colleagues north to teach them about Scotland in an effort to get a more positive message across to voters.
The Orkney and Shetland Liberal Democrat MP, who took up the Cabinet post on Monday, said: ‘I think it has been one of the consequences of devolution that there has been a mind-set in Whitehall that Scotland is now principally the responsibility of the Scottish Government.
‘I’m keen that nobody in the UK should see Scotland as a no-go area. I’ve told ministers they should come here, see how things are done – and be prepared to learn.’
Mr Carmichael also warned proUnion activists of the dangers of ‘negative’ campaigning in the lead up to next year’s referendum.
He said: ‘As a Scot and as somebody who feels proud to be British as well, I can be positive and proud of both aspects of my national identity.
‘I think one of the things those of us who oppose independence do have to contend with is this assertion that every time we point out a problem we are being negative.
‘The debate will become more tense in the next 12 months.
‘I fear it might actually become more divisive, seeing the direction of travel thus far.
‘Once you get into the heat of a campaign, I suspect there will be stupid things said on both sides.’