Scotland rejects independence from UK

British PM David Cameron announces more powers for England, Wales, Northern Ireland after Scotland vote

LONDON: After Scottish voters rejected independence from the rest of the United Kingdom, as official results showed on Friday, by a margin of almost 10 percentage points, British Prime Minister David Cameron announced more powers for England, Wales as well as Northern Ireland.

According to the final results, 55.3% voted against independence as compared to 44.7% who wanted Scotland to break the 300-year-old union with England, AFP reported.

"Just as the people of Scotland will have more power over their affairs, so it follows that the people of England, Wales and Northern Ireland must have a bigger say over theirs," remarked Cameron in his speech during a news conference in London.

"It is absolutely right that the new and fair settled Scotland should be accompanied by a new and fair settlement that applies to all parts of our UK," Cameron stated.

"We have heard the voice of Scotland and now the millions of voices of England must also be heard," he added.

"So just as Scotland will vote separately in the Scottish parliament on their issues of tax spending and welfare, so too England as well as Wales and Northern Ireland should be able to vote on these issues," the British PM stated, adding that this must take place in tandem with and at the same pace as the settlement for Scotland.

'Will of Scottish people heard'

Referring to the referendum, Cameron said that the settled will of the Scottish people has been heard, adding that Scotland voted for a stronger Scottish Parliament backed by the strength and security of the UK.

"I want to congratulate the No campaign for that, for showing people that our nations really are better together," he added.

He also paid tribute to the Yes Scotland.

"We now have a chance, a great opportunity to change the way the British people are governed and change it for the better," he added.

"Political leaders on all sides of the debate now bear a heavy responsibility to come together and work constructively to advance the interests of people in Scotland as well as those in England, Wales and Northern Ireland for each and every citizen for our UK," Cameron said, requesting all political leaders to work together.

Addressing the skepticism of those in Scotland regarding constitutional promises that were made, the British Prime Minister assured them that this government has delivered on devolution and will do so again in the next Parliament.

Speaking about what the Scottish referendum represented, Cameron said that it has stirred strong passions, electrified politics in Scotland and caught the imagination of people across the whole of the UK.

"It will be remembered as a powerful demonstration of the strength and vitality of our ancient democracy," he added, further stating that record numbers were registered to vote and record numbers cast their votes.

During his speech, he appreciated the fact that vital issues such as this could be settled at the ballot box peacefully and calmly.

"Now we must look forward and turn this into the moment when everyone, whichever way they voted, comes together to built that better brighter future for our entire UK," he said.