Teaching Comparative Government and Politics

Friday, October 19, 2012

Independence, not devolution

The Scottish National Party won the last election in Scotland. Now First Minister Alex Salmond and PM David Cameron have signed an agreement for a referendum on independence for Scotland.

Scottish independence: Cameron and Salmond strike referendum deal

A deal setting out terms for a Scottish independence referendum has been signed by Prime Minister David Cameron and First Minister Alex Salmond.

Salmond and Cameron

The agreement, struck in Edinburgh, has paved the way for a vote in autumn 2014, with a single Yes/No question on Scotland leaving the UK.

It will also allow 16 and 17-year-olds to take part in the ballot…

The deal will also commit both governments to working together constructively in the best interests of the people of Scotland, whatever the outcome of the referendum…

Speaking after the deal was signed at the headquarters of the Scottish government, St Andrew's House, the prime minister told BBC News: "This is the right decision for Scotland, but it's also right for the United Kingdom that there is going to be one, simple, straightforward question about whether Scotland wants to stay in the United Kingdom or separate itself from the United Kingdom, and that referendum has to be held before the end of 2014.

"I always wanted to show respect to the people of Scotland - they voted for a party that wanted to have a referendum, I've made that referendum possible and made sure that it is decisive, it is legal and it is fair."

Mr Salmond said the Edinburgh Agreement marked a "significant step in Scotland's Home Rule journey".

He added: "Importantly, it will ensure that the biggest decision the people of our country will make for many generations is made here in Scotland for the benefit of all of those that live and work here… "