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Scottish independence referendum debate: What you need to know

Scottish independence referendum debate: What you need to know

The second and final televised debate between Scotland's first minister Alex Salmond and Alistair Darling, leader of the Better Together campaign, took place last night in Glasgow. Here's what you need to know:

Salmond won.

That's according to a Guardian/ICM poll of Scots who watched the debate. The poll put the first minister as a clear winner against Darling by a 71 per cent to 29 per cent margin.

But Salmond also had to win.

A poll before the debate put the 'yes' campaign on 38 per cent, with the pro-union campaign on 51 per cent.

I believe we can be better, we can be more prosperous… by being proud of what we do in Scotland, but also having the advantage of being part of the United Kingdom.

  • Alistair Darling

Familiar issues dominated.

An independent Scotland's future currency and its reliance on oil revenue were the main themes.

As did familiar soundbites.

Darling said Salmond wanted an independent Scotland "no matter what the cost", while the SNP leader said in three weeks Scots could "take matters into our own hands".

We are a rich nation, a resourceful people. We can create a prosperous nation and a fairer society: a real vision for the people. This is our time, our moment.

  • Alex Salmond

Trust is a key issue.

Darling said Salmond was asking Scotland "to trust what he says – and I can't".

A "major revelation" was witnessed.

According to Salmond, anyway, who said the former chancellor had acknowledged Scotland didn't need UK permission to use the pound.

The time has almost come.

People have one week left to register to vote. The final deadline to take part in the poll - on September 18 - is September 2. More than 50,000 registration forms were downloaded from aboutmyvote.co.uk between 11 and 20 August.

(Pictures: PA)

More: The A to Z of the Scottish independence referendum

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