Scotland Rejects Independence
by Marianne Brown September 19, 2014
British Prime Minister David Cameron said he is "delighted" with the result of Scotland's referendum on independence as the majority of Scots voted to stay in the union.
Tallies from all 32 Scottish councils show that 55.3 percent of voters were in favor of remaining part of Britain compared with 44.7 percent for independence, a wider margin than anticipated after a record 97 percent turnout. But leaders from across the United Kingdom said the union must change if it is to endure.
'Better Together' campaign leader Alistair Darling told Labor Party supporters that Friday's results "settled the question of independence for a generation."
'We have changed Scotland and we have changed the United Kingdom forever, too, and it's our job to make sure that we build on that for the good of the people that we seek to represent.''
In a message to those who voted for independence, Labor Party leader Ed Miliband said their aspirations for change must be considered.
"Whether people voted no or yes in this referendum, let us be absolutely clear this was a vote for change. Change doesn't end today. Change begins today because we know our country needs to change,' he said. 'We know that our country needs to change in the way it is governed and we know our country needs to change in who it is governed for."
In a concession speech, Scottish Nationalist Leader Alex Salmond called the referendum a triumph of the democratic process and urged Scotland's independence supporters to accept the results.
'And Scotland has by a majority has decided not, at this stage, not to become an independent country,' he said. 'I accept that verdict of the people and I call on all of Scotland to follow suit in accepting the democratic verdict of the people of Scotland.'
Salmond also called on London to honor its pledge of granting more powers to Scottish lawmakers.
Obama welcomes result
U.S. president Barack Obama welcomed the referendum result Friday saying he looks forward to a continued strong relationship with the United Kingdom.
The markets witnessed a relief rally Friday, after Scotland spurned independence.
Meanwhile in Spain, Catalan President Artur Mas says he is undeterred by Scotland's decision and that Catalans should also have a chance to vote on independence.
Sleepless night
It was a sleepless night for many across Scotland as the results of the referendum on independence slowly trickled in early Friday.
A 'No' vote was expected early on, as several constituencies predicted to turn up a "Yes" majority instead delivered support for the union.
At 7:00 a.m. London time, David Cameron said the referendum delivered "a clear result" rejecting full independence.
'So there can be no disputes, no re-runs, we have heard the settled will of the Scottish people. Scotland voted for a stronger Scottish parliament backed by the strength and security of the United Kingdom and I want to congratulate the 'No' campaign for that, for showing people that our nations really are 'Better Together,'" Cameron said, adding that the three pro-union parties will honor commitments made on further powers for the Scottish Parliament.
Cameron said the debate on Scottish independence has now been settled, and that Britain will honor its commitments to give Scotland new powers, including on affairs such as tax, spending and welfare. The prime minister said those rights will also be extended to England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Across Edinburgh, a chilly drizzle settled on the streets, matching the mood for many 'Yes' supporters who gathered to hear the results.
Kitchen manager Grant McNeil, 28, was following the count at a cafe in the center of the city. As a 'Yes' voter, he said he and his friends had been expecting a close call, but were surprised by the large swing to 'No.'
'It's upsetting, it's emotional. The thing that goes along the bottom, Labor and the Tories dancing with each other, that sums it up for me really. The media has been completely bias[ed]... There are things that won't be forgotten. It will also be interesting to see the promises made by Westminster very last minute,' said McNeil.
International interest
The pro-independence movement attracted attention from across the world, with speculation that a 'Yes' vote could encourage similar calls for independence from countries across Europe.
Law student Montse Rodriguez, 20, travelled to Edinburgh from Catalonia with a group of friends to support the 'Yes' campaign.
Speaking to VOA in Edinburgh before the polls closed, she said the referendum was "very important" to people in her country.
'There's a group of young people who came here to feel the feelings of the young people and the situation because it's very important for us. We feel it's not the same but we are in a very similar situation,' said Rodriguez.
The 'No' vote is expected to avert a fall in the pound due to uncertainty about a currency union if 'Yes' had won the day.
Supporters on both sides took to social media to appeal for understanding and reconciliation.
Some material for this report provided by Reuters
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