BREAKING up the UK would risk Scotland's place in a new world order, Alistair Darling, the Chancellor, said last night

BREAKING up the UK would risk Scotland's place in a new world order, Alistair Darling, the Chancellor, said last night -
Union 'is the key to global economy-
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SCOTTISH POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT (lgray@scotsman.com)
BREAKING up the UK would risk Scotland's place in a new world order, Alistair Darling, the Chancellor, said last night.

The MP for Edinburgh South West told an audience at Stirling University that Scotland and England are better off together in facing the challenges from a fast-changing global economy.

Since the SNP won the Scottish Parliament elections in May, Holyrood and Westminster have clashed a number of times over the future of Scotland.

The SNP-led minority Scottish Government wants independence for Scotland, however opposition parties - including Labour - are in favour of the Union.

Giving the Andrew Willi-amson lecture at Stirling University last night, Mr Darling said the Union was key to survival in the global economy.

He said: "I believe Scotland faces a stark choice today. Is Scotland's priority constitutional change, or the urgent task of addressing the challenges and opportunities posed by globalisation as we try to secure a sustainable, prosperous future for Scotland and Britain?"

Mr Darling argued that the interconnected nature of economics means Scotland is stronger as part of the UK - despite the fact he came in for criticism again yesterday for his handling of the economy.

"I believe it would be a profound mistake to spend the next four years in constitutional conflict north and south of the Border, when we need to meet the economic challenges we face," he said.

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