Scottish independence.

What is being discussed?

First Minister Alex Salmond is at loggerheads with Westminster about a vote over the independence of Scotland. The power to grant a legally binding referendum is held by the UK Government and Prime Minister David Cameron has suggested the vote could be held within 18 months. But Mr Salmond has promised a referendum in the autumn of 2014.

Why the conflict?

Mr Cameron does not want Scotland to leave the United Kingdom. He has pledged to publish legal advice, which is expected to show it would be unlawful for the Scottish Parliament to hold a "binding" referendum without the agreement of Westminster, which wants the vote to take place sooner than 2014.

Meanwhile, the Scottish National Party (SNP) has accused the Prime Minister of "meddling" in Scottish democracy. Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the timing of the referendum was a "decision that is really one for the Scottish Government." The Scottish Government was accused of trying to delay a referendum because Mr Salmond knew voters did not "at heart" was to separate from the UK.