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Cameron's referendum challenge to Salmond

DAVID Cameron will throw down the gauntlet to Alex Salmond this week, challenging him to accept an offer from Westminster that would enable Holyrood to hold a legally binding referendum on Scottish independence.

ALEX SALMOND: Plans to hold referendum this term.
ALEX SALMOND: Plans to hold referendum this term.
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MICHAEL SETTLE UK POLITICAL EDITOR

The twist will be that the offer will be time-limited – the First Minister will have to hold a poll before August 2013.

The implication is that if he fails to take it up, then Westminster will seize the initiative and hold its own referendum.