Salmond call for joint cabinet

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Scotland's first minister has called for a joint UK and Scottish cabinet meeting to discuss the economy.

Alex Salmond wrote to Prime Minister Gordon Brown, saying a joint recovery plan was in the national interest.

He suggested talks take place on 16 April when the UK cabinet is due to meet in Glasgow.

The Scotland Office said a joint meeting was unnecessary as there were already good communication channels between the two governments.

In his letter, Mr Salmond said the UK cabinet meeting in Glasgow was an ideal opportunity for joint discussions.

It would clearly be in the national interest to work together, particularly on the economic recovery plan Alex Salmond

He wrote: "This will be the first time that the UK cabinet will meet in Scotland since devolution and indeed the first time since the Inverness cabinet meeting of 1921.

"I propose that this is a joint meeting of the Scottish and UK cabinets.

"Given the various responsibilities that each government has, it would clearly be in the national interest to work together, particularly on the economic recovery plan."

A spokesman for the Scotland Office said the proposal was not necessary.

He said: "The UK and Scottish Governments have good communications channels and ministers meet and talk regularly.

"The first minister has met and talked to the prime minister, the chancellor and the secretary of state for Scotland repeatedly over the last few weeks."

Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy said he believed he could have "a good discussion" with Mr Salmond over dinner.