Scotland Says NO To Independence

Scotland last night rejected independence and voted to stay in the United Kingdom, averting a political crisis that could have resulted in the break up of Great Britain.

Scottish leader Alex Salmond admitted defeat on Friday, after 55 per cent of citizens voted to stay part of the historic union with England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The decision to stay together was welcomed by British Prime Minster David Cameron along with President Obama who congratulated Scotland on its 'full and energetic exercise of democracy'.

Jubilant supporters of independence react in Glasgow in the early hours on Friday after the region voted yes to separating from the rest of the UK. However the celebrations were short-lived after the final vote revealed 55 per cent of Scotland had said no to independence

Independence had been a lifelong dream for Salmond and his Scottish Nationalist Party, who had fought for decades to run their own affairs and secede from the British government in Westminster.
But it remains to be seen if the country can heal the bitter divisions exposed by the referendum campaign – which resulted in a much tighter race than expected.

On the worst day of his political life, he tried to put a brave face on the electorate's crushing verdict, claiming that it showed only that a majority had decided 'at this stage' not to become an independent country.

But with all councils declared, No secured 55 per cent of the vote, a 10-point lead which will trigger speculation about whether Mr Salmond can survive as leader of the Scottish Nationalists.


First Minister Salmond admitted defeat on Friday as almost two million people in Scotland voted to remain a part of the United Kingdom but demanded the British government hand over new powers within six months.

With the final votes counted in all 32 council areas of Scotland, No to independence secured 55 per cent of the vote, a 10-point lead which triggered speculation about whether Mr Salmond can survive as leader of the Scottish Nationalists.

British Prime Minister David Cameron also celebrated the result, and in a dramatic move announced plans to use the offer of more powers to Scotland to introduce 'English votes for English laws', a move which would strengthen his own Conservative party's grip on Westminster.

President Obama released a statement on Friday, praising Scotland for its passionate campaigning on both sides and welcoming their choice to remain part of the United Kingdom.

Obama said: 'We welcome the result of yesterday’s referendum on Scottish independence and congratulate the people of Scotland for their full and energetic exercise of democracy.

Mailonline