WITH only a month to go before the independence referendum we are in a bit of a mess.

The agreed intention was that the residents of Scotland would have their vote and that the result would be binding on all parties, who would then set about the task of making the people's decision work to the best of their abilities.

There were scare stories about Westminster possibly reneging in the event of a Yes vote, but nobody believed them. Certainly, we had the affair about EU membership with the possibility raised that Westminster might block Scotland's admission, but they did not go as far as promising to use their veto; they merely encouraged other EU diplomats to issue that threat.

However, with the three main parties now swearing that they will not entertain the possibility of Scotland using the pound under any circumstances, the Rubicon is crossed. The agreement to work towards the best solutions possible in the event of a Yes vote has been rescinded at the very last moment with this flat rejection of post-decision negotiation.

This leaves the whole of Great Britain in a desperate situation over a matter that is fundamental to commercial concerns in England, Wales and Northern Ireland as well as Scotland. The party leaders, on all sides of the debate, have us heading on a course that, in the event of a Yes vote, will lead to financial disaster for many British companies.

The leadership of the Yes campaign must be mature enough to exercise responsibility even in the face of the irresponsibility of the Westminster leaders.

The only stance available for voters who value the financial security of the wider Great Britain, including Scotland, is to refuse to take part in what has become a sham on September 18.

Perhaps there will be a future opportunity when the ground rules will be respected.

Professor Dave Mearns,

Bridge Keepers Cottage,

Castlecary,

Bonnybridge.