Alex Salmond: Respect is key to talks on Scottish vote

Alex Salmond has said he is hopeful of making progress in talks with David Cameron on the the issue of a Scottish independence referendum - but that this must be based on "genuine mutual respect".

The Scottish first minister's comments came as he prepared to welcome the prime minister to Edinburgh on Thursday.

Mr Salmond said that there was already agreement on some issues, but that he would not accept "Westminster pulling the strings" when it came to issues such as the timing of the vote.