DAVID Cameron will today call on Alex Salmond to "stop dithering" on holding the independence referendum and urge him to fulfil his promise to the Scottish people.
The Prime Minister will address the Scottish Conservative conference in Troon as the party launches its pro-Union campaign –the Conservative Friends of the Union.
Although the UK Government's consultation on the referendum has ended, the Scottish Government's continues until May 11, after which, armed with all the various responses, Mr Cameron and the First Minister will resume negotiations when the former will argue for a poll in 2013 while the latter will insist one takes place in 2014.
Mr Cameron is expected to tell Tories: "This week we have reached agreement with the Scottish Government on the Scotland Bill. This is a bill delivered in Westminster supported by the Scottish Government. I promised respect and that is exactly what we are giving – Scotland's two governments and parliaments working together.
"But on the referendum, the people of Scotland were promised a clear choice. People have to know one way or the other.
"So my message to the First Minister is this – we've delivered on devolution, stop dithering about an independence referendum, start delivering your manifesto commitment and fulfil the promise you gave to the Scottish people."
David Mundell, the Scotland Office Minister, will also criticise Mr Salmond over his desired "1000-day delay". He is due to say that it would have been "sheer folly" for the UK Government to bury its head in the sand and allow the First Minister to have it all his own way.
Scottish Financial Enterprise, which represents banks, pension providers and insurers, yesterday called for the poll to be held as soon as is practical.
The body said it would help the industry make long-term planning decisions if it did not have to wait until the autumn of 2014 – the date set by the Scottish Government.
Chief executive Owen Kelly said: "However, we believe it is important, and possible, for some major uncertainties to be removed which will allow for a more informed referendum process."
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