Even from the opposite end of our nation to Scotland I feel strongly that we should remain united. That is why I am releasing my campaign staff to travel to Scotland to add their expertise and energy to the last few days of this tough campaign.

I know that Scottish nationalism stirs many emotions on both sides of the boarder. But if we could set emotion aside for a moment and the economic and political case, in the cold light of day, is clear. Scotland will struggle to compete with the powerhouse of London to which companies and taxes will gravitate (Mr Salmond still needs to explain why companies are not relocating *to* Scotland if the case for independence is as strong as he suggests). And Britain will not allow active use of its currency should they leave. As one wag on Twitter put it, when Scot Nats divorce do they still keep their joint bank accounts?!

The cost and dysfunction caused by separation will distract us from the real mission of our country which is to grow our joint economies through cooperation and protect our nation from external threats – all of which our 300 year Union has delivered with remarkable effect.

This Thursday will be tense – not just for us but for other European countries too. In a world in which closer cooperation delivers prosperity, security, power and influence, Scottish nationalism flies in he the face of history. So please, let’s stay together.

All the best, Peter