In an effort to pre-empt Cameron's move, the Scottish

government brought forward publication of its own expert report on the economic and fiscal benefits of independence. Salmond's economic advisers have said in the report that is also out today that Scotland should keep the pound if it votes to split from Britain in the 2014 referendum. Cameron, meanwhile, on Sunday urged Scottish voters to avoid splitting up the country, saying: "Put simply: Britain works. Britain works well. Why break it?" Besides his own political legacy being on the line, it is feared that Scottish secession could create problems for the remainder of the UK. Britain's Trident nuclear submarine fleet is based in Scotland and revenues from Scottish North Sea oil remain important to its coffers. Polls have shown that more Scots oppose independence than support a breakaway. The latest put support for independence at 32 per cent and opposition at 47 per cent.