Jagger leads British celebs urging Scots to stay in UK

Image
AFP London
Last Updated : Aug 07 2014 | 9:25 PM IST
More than 200 British celebrities, including Mick Jagger, Stephen Hawking and Judi Dench, have signed a letter urging Scotland to stick with the United Kingdom in next month's independence referendum.
The open letter, presented today in London, was signed by Oscar, Grammy and Nobel Prize winners, Olympic gold medallists, lords, knights of the realm, professors and novelists, representing "the best of British talent and intellect", according to the organisers.
Only people who live in Scotland get to vote in the September 18 referendum on whether to end the 307-year-old political union with England.
The famous signatories calling for a "No" vote -- Scots included -- do not have a vote but are hoping those who do keep the union together.
"The decision on whether to leave our shared country is, of course, absolutely yours alone," the letter says.
"Nevertheless, that decision will have a huge effect on all of us in the rest of the United Kingdom.
"We want to let you know how very much we value our bonds of citizenship with you, and to express our hope that you will vote to renew them.
"What unites us is much greater than what divides us. Let's stay together."
Hollywood stars included Dench, Patrick Stewart, Helena Bonham-Carter and Michael Douglas were on the list.
Besides Jagger, singing signatories include Bryan Ferry, World War II forces sweetheart Vera Lynn, Cliff Richard, Pink Floyd's David Gilmour, composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and Sting.
Military commanders were joined by naturalist David Attenborough, artist Tracey Emin, explorer Ranulph Fiennes, novelist Howard Jacobsen, Monty Python comedian Terry Jones, "Top Gear" presenter James May and special forces hero Andy McNab.
Olympic gold medallists including sailor Ben Ainslie, triple jumper Jonathan Edwards, rower Steve Redgrave, were among a host of sporting signatories.
Polls consistently put the "No" campaign ahead, though only by a handful of percentage points.
Prominent independence supporters include James Bond actor Sean Connery and "Trainspotting" novelist Irvine Welsh.
*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: Aug 07 2014 | 9:25 PM IST

Next Story