Cameron seeks 'fresh start' with Scottish Parliament

Prime Minister David Cameron yesterday called for a "fresh start" in the relationship between Scotland and Westminster as he said the two governments had to work together for the good of the United Kingdom.

The newly-installed Tory Prime Minister met Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond in Edinburgh yesterday for talks, which the SNP leader described as "extremely positive" and "constructive".

But he also warned Mr Cameron, who has repeatedly vowed to govern Scotland with "respect", that he would be judged by actions and not words.

The First Minister said: "I felt the meeting was positive, constructive, detailed and substantive. I've also said, and let me repeat, that people will be judged by deeds, not just by words. I prefer a respect agenda to a disrespect agenda. I think the Prime Minister was right to pursue that agenda."

The meeting focused on the economy and avoided areas of clear conflict - such as Scottish independence.

But Mr Salmond did raise concerns over cuts to public spending and urged the release of Scottish funds held by the Treasury.

He also called for further accelerated funds to help tackle the effects of the recession and repeated a request for knock-on funds from Olympic regeneration spending.

The First Minister said he had been "impressed" by Mr Cameron's awareness of the issues.

Mr Salmond stated: "All in all, it was a good meeting, it was a more substantive meeting than perhaps I'd expected in terms of the examination of the issues, and I think the Prime Minister's to be commended for that."

Asked if any concessions had been offered, he said: "The short answer to that is no, in the sense that nothing was decided today."

However the SNP leader said he was "optimistic progress might be made" on one of the four main issues he had raised.

This could be the fossil fuel levy, which the nationalists say now stands at about £180 million of cash earmarked for green energy projects.

Just before the meeting Mr Cameron had said he was "open to listening to all of the arguments" the First Minister may put forward.

But with tough decisions on public spending ahead, the Prime Minister said today: "As for the issue of the UK budget deficit, I'm very clear we have to make progress with it."

Prior to meeting the First Minister Mr Cameron visited the Scottish Parliament, where he was forced to dodge hundreds of protesters who had gathered to greet him.

About 200 angry demonstrators were chanting anti-Tory slogans and calling for an end to jobs cuts, but rather than enter through one of the main doors as expected Mr Cameron went straight in via the underground car park.

Before the election Mr Cameron had promised to visit Scotland within a week if he entered Downing Street. Less than 72 hours after becoming Prime Minister he fulfilled that pledge.