Scotland gets more from the UK than it puts in, Alistair Carmichael claims Let us not forget we get more back than we put in. Public spending in Scotland is consistently 10 per cent higher than the UK average. He added: "Our commitment to the UK family is not just about the facts and figures. It's also about the values and ambitions we share. The hands that built the United Kingdom have created things of enormous value. Together that strikes a chord of pride within us and reminds us all of what we can achieve together. The speech was widely seen as an attempt to focus on the positive aspects of staying together rather than dwelling on the reasons why independence could harm Scotland's economic prospects. Earlier this month David Cameron called on those defending the Union to "win some of the arguments of the heart" as well as the head amid fears that the patriotic appeal of Alex Salmond's support for independence remains unmatched by the pro-Union campaign. Along with the speech, Mr Carmichael released a list of 20 benefits from the UK was released, all of which were "supported by experts" and "unchallenged by opponents." As well as mentioning safer banks and cheaper mortgages the list included the use of the pound - the "strongest currency option" - and access to a single, competitive domestic market. He also argued that Scotland could better manage the price volatility of resources like North Sea oil by being part of the UK's "much larger and diverse economy." These are just a few of the things that bind together our family in pride and endeavour. Shared values, shared effort, shared achievements. Why should we now break these things up? Mr Carmichael said. For too long we've let go unspoken the contribution that Scotland makes to the UK. And we've been equally silent on the benefits that we get from being part of it. But Nicola Sturgeon, the Deputy First Minister, yesterday published her own list of 50 questions for the No campaign to answer about the consequences of staying together. These included such issues such as what the UK's national debt would be by 2016 and whether additional tax powers would be devolved to Scotland in the event of a No vote. "The Scottish Government has published a detailed, 670-page guide to an independent Scotland, including answers to 650 questions," Ms Sturgeon said. In the interests of a fair, balanced and fully-informed debate, it is essential that there is an equivalent amount of detail from those arguing for a No vote.