SCOTTISH First Minister Alex Salmond told a packed audience in St George’s Hall  independence would be good for Liverpool.

The said in the JMU Roscoe Lecture that if his country breaks free from the United Kingdom it would strengthen bonds between “nations of these islands” and mean a fairer deal for English regions.

He later praised Liverpool council’s decision last week to move to an elected mayor model, and ditch its council leader.

He said: “I would say ‘yes’ [it is a good thing]. If only because it is some source of increased power.

“It will start more of an acorn than an oak. From acorns mighty oaks grow, and if it is used wisely it can be a regeneration and economic fund for the future of Liverpool, I think that is a good thing to have.

“I very much hope it will start the process of re-empowering Merseyside.

“Anything that gets power into the hands of the cities and regions, particularly in the north of England, I support.”

In his speech last night he dismissed critics who say Scotland cannot stand on its own two feet.

“Scotland is already the third most prosperous part of the UK after London and the South East.”

He said one way to end arguments over the much-derided Barnett Formula was for Scotland to be independent.