Scotland to stay within UK

Reuters Updated - November 25, 2017 at 11:20 AM.

Supporters from the "No" Campaign react to a declaration in their favour, at the Better Together Campaign headquarters in Glasgow, Scotland, on September 19, 2014. Scotland has voted on whether to stay within the United Kingdom or end the 307-year-old union in a finely balanced independence referendum with global consequences. Photo: Reuters

Scottish voters have rejected independence, results showed on Friday.

Results showed support for the union had now exceeded 50 per cent of the turnout, meaning that secessionists could not win the vote.

Wider constitutional reform

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg on Friday said that he wanted the coalition government to deliver new powers to Scotland, saying Scots' rejection of independence was a signal for wider constitutional reform across all of Britain.

"I'm absolutely delighted the Scottish people have taken this momentous decision to safeguard our family of nations for future generations," Clegg said in a statement.

"We must now deliver on time and in full the radical package of newly devolved powers to Scotland. This referendum marks not only a new chapter for Scotland within the UK but also wider constitutional reform across the Union."

Salmond accepts defeat

Scottish nationalist leader Alex Salmond conceded defeat on Friday over his bid to win independence and demanded the British Government rapidly meet its promise of more powers for Edinburgh.

"Scotland has by a majority decided not at this stage to become an independent country. I accept that verdict of the people," Salmond told independence supporters in the Scottish capital.

Leaders of Britain's three main parties, shocked by the strong showing of the independence campaign in recent weeks, scrambled to offer Scots more devolved powers if they remained part of the United Kingdom.

"Scotland will expect these to be honoured in rapid course," Salmond said.

BoE makes no statement

The Bank of England will make no statement statement after Scottish voters decided to remain part of the United Kingdom in a independence referendum, a spokesman for the bank said on Friday.

BoE Governor Mark Carney said before the vote that the bank had contingency plans in the event of a 'yes' vote.

Published on September 19, 2014 05:30