Cameron appeals to Scots one year before referendum

Image
AFP London
Last Updated : Sep 15 2013 | 5:40 AM IST
British Prime Minister David Cameron urged the people of Scotland today to vote to keep "a unique union of nations", one year ahead of a referendum on independence.
"In a year from now, people living in Scotland will be making a choice which could radically change their country for ever," Cameron said.
"Scotland's future will be in Scotland's hands."
Scotland will hold a referendum on September 18, 2014 asking: "Should Scotland be an independent country?". Voting yes would break up the political union with England, which dates back to 1707.
Cameron said the historic vote would be Scotland's "date with destiny".
"I hope passionately that Scotland decides to remain within our United Kingdom. What we have works, and it works well," the Prime Minister added.
"Ours is a unique union of nations. It's a union of people too. And together we've achieved so much."
The Conservative leader's comments come as his Liberal Democrat coalition partners hold their annual party conference in the Scottish city of Glasgow this week.
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg told the conference yesterday that Scottish lawmakers in his Liberal Democratic party were making the case for "a United Kingdom that is strong, secure and together".
Nationalist leader Alex Salmond argues that a 'Yes' vote in the referendum will make Scotland better off financially and and give it more power to make decisions which represent Scottish people.
However, only a third of Scotland's 5.5 million-strong population are currently planning to vote in favour of independence, according to opinion polls.
An Ipsos MORI telephone poll of 1,001 respondents for The Times newspaper in May put support for independence at 31 percent, with backing for the status quo at 59 percent.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Sep 15 2013 | 5:40 AM IST

Next Story