Cameron makes plea to Scotland not to separate from Britain

London, Sep 10 (IANS/EFE) British Prime Minister David Cameron has made a highly personal plea to the people of Scotland, urging them not to "rip apart" Britain, and warning that a vote in favour of Scottish independence would be a "leap in the dark".

In an article published Wednesday in the Daily Mail, the prime minister called on Scots to vote in the referendum set for Sep 18 with a "no" to the independence proposal.

The head of Britain's conservative government pointed out that the world looks with "admiration and envy" at the progress made by modern Britain, such as the National Health Service (NHS).

"If we pull together, we can keep on building a better future. We can make sure our destiny matches our history, because there really will be no second chances. If Britain breaks apart, it breaks apart forever," Cameron argued.

"That is why a 'no' vote does not mean a vote for the status quo. 'No' does not mean no change. It means significant further devolution for Scotland -- major new powers over tax, spending and welfare all being passed to Scotland," the prime minister added.

Partisans of the "no" vote stepped up their campaign this week after a poll published by the Sunday Times suggested that the "yes" to independence option would win the referendum.

According to that poll, supporters of separation would win by 51 percent against 49 percent of those opposed to the separation.

On Tuesday, Cameron, leader of the Labour opposition, Ed Miliband, and Cameron's deputy premier Nick Clegg of the Liberal Democratic Party, all cancelled their weekly appearance in the House of Commons to travel to Scotland.

All three will be campaigning in Scotland this week, but they will tour separately in different parts of the region to seek support for their cause.

The unionist camp has promised to give more powers to Scotland if the "no" vote carries the day, including changes to the tax system and welfare policies.

In the referendum, residents of Scotland are asked to answer with a "yes" or "no" to the question: "Should Scotland be an independent country?"

--IANS/EFE

pv/pm/