Scotland referendum: Currency union 'off the table'

Ministers have insisted that it is "total nonsense" to suggest there could be a currency union between the UK and an independent Scotland, if the country votes for independence in September.

The comments follow a report in the Guardian which quoted an unnamed minister suggesting a deal could be done to allow Scotland to use the pound.

Speaking to the BBC, Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander said a currency union was "off the table" and that SNP leader Alex Salmond needed to set out an alternative plan.