BROWNED OFF; Gordon wants Union but Alex says don't wait on Westminster.Byline: By MARK AITKEN, Political editor GORDON BROWN and Alex Salmond Alexander Elliot Anderson Salmond, known as Alex Salmond (born December 31, 1954, Linlithgow), is a Scottish politician, and the current First Minister of Scotland, heading a minority government. have gone head-to-head over the future of the UK in their New Year messages. The Prime Minister said that in 2008 Britain needs to stand united as it faced problems ranging from terrorism to climate change. But Scotland's First Minister said the days of "waiting" for Westminster to do things for Scotland are over. Brown said: "In 2008 we will make the case for the UK - standing up for the cause of the Union and against secession, showing people that for so many of the challenges our country faces - from climate change to terrorism - there are no Wales-only, Scotland-only or England-only solutions. "2008 will be a year for stepping up long-term reform to meet challenges from globalisation and global warming global warming, the gradual increase of the temperature of the earth's lower atmosphere as a result of the increase in greenhouse gases since the Industrial Revolution. to social reform. "We will continue to work with international partners to counter the ongoing threat of global terrorism." But Salmond said: "The Scottish Government's policies will reflect the new mood in the nation by realising that the days of waiting for Westminster to do things for Scotland are over. "We need to make our own initiatives now, solve our own problems, take our own opportunities. "There is a growing realisation this country has the talent and ability to stand on its own two feet - and we have to find the democratic structure that will allow us to do that." The First Minister warned of "chill winds" blowing in international economy but he said Scotland could weather this by combining talent and competitive advantage. He added: "People are becoming more aware of Scotland internationally." The achievements of the Scotland football team and IndyCar racing IndyCar Racing, followed up two years later by its sequel, IndyCar Racing II, is a racing game by Papyrus Design Group. It was released in 1993.[1] Papyrus previously developed , released in 1990. champion Dario Franchitti Dario Franchitti (b. 19 May, 1973 in Bathgate, West Lothian) is a Scottish racing driver of Italian descent. He is the 2007 IndyCar Series champion. He used to compete in the IndyCar Series, formerly drove in the CART series, and won the rain-shortened 2007 Indianapolis 500. were also highlighted in his message. Salmond praised Leon Jackson's X-Factor victory. He added: "Best of all, 70 countries entrusted Glasgow and Scotland with hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2014." SUNDAY EMAIL See e-mail. m.aitken@sundaymail.co.uk CAPTION(S): MIXED MESSAGES Brown says Britain must be united but Salmond, below, believes a free Scotland would prosper |
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