On Saturday 5th April, David Cameron made yet another public announcement regarding the issue of Scotland and its place within the United Kingdom. To the Conservative Spring Forum in London, he enthused about the benefits of Scotland remaining within an 'incomparable' United Kingdom, and appealed for Scots to choose a future within the union.  

This is merely the latest in an ongoing series of high-profile public declarations and interventions by Cameron, which have occurred in spite of his repeated claims that 'the debate should be between people in Scotland.' Cameron has repeatedly used this claim as a pretext for his refusal to participate in a televised debate with First Minister Alex Salmond on the subject of Scottish independence. Yet today's speech to the Conservative Spring Forum is just the latest in a series of prominent public interventions by Cameron, all of which blatantly contradict this position. Therefore, Cameron's justification for his refusal to engage in a televised debate can no longer be regarded as credible. 

Polls show that an overwhelming majority of Scots want to see a televised debate. The upcoming referendum is one of the biggest political events in this country for a generation - with the potential to bring absolutely monumental changes to our nation's culture, society, economy, and fundamental place in the world. 

As prime-minister of the United Kingdom during the referendum, David Cameron owes it to the Scottish people to outline why he believes Scotland should remain within the union, and clarify the potential ramifications of such a decision. It is absolutely vital that when the Scottish populace  participate in this historic vote, they  do so with a thorough awareness and appreciation of all pertinent facts, issues and potential eventualities. By participating in a televised debate, Cameron can engage the nation and help to ensure that this momentous decision is taken by a population as knowledgeable and  well-informed as possible. By doing otherwise, Cameron would be irresponsible to the point of negligence in fulfilling his democratic responsibilities as prime-minister of the United Kingdom. Cameron therefore owes it to the population of Scotland to fulfil the duties he was elected to perform as part of his role (and for which he is being handsomely rewarded), by participating in this debate and fulfilling his duties as parliamentarian and prime-minister. 

His current stance on this matter is no longer tenable and the people of Scotland deserve better.