Reject referendum 'for more powers' (From The Northern Echo)

Reject referendum 'for more powers'

3:30pm Thursday 16th February 2012 in National News © Press Association 2011

Prime Minister David Cameron has promised to consider more powers for Scotland if voters reject independence in a referendum.

The Tory leader made the offer in a speech in Edinburgh during which he defended more than 300 years of political union between Scotland and England.

He said: "This doesn't have to be the end of the road. When the referendum on independence is over, I am open to looking at how the devolved settlement can be improved further. And yes, that does mean considering what further powers could be devolved. But that must be a question for after the referendum, when Scotland has made its choice about the fundamental question of independence or for the United Kingdom.

Mr Cameron was also in the Scottish capital to meet First Minister Alex Salmond who wants to hold the referendum in autumn 2014.

Mr Salmond, leader of the Scottish National Party, suggests allowing a second question on the ballot paper specifically on greater devolved powers. However, his critics have called this a fall-back in the event of a No vote and that it could muddy the waters.

He was supposed to greet Mr Cameron outside the main door of St Andrew's House in Edinburgh but the Prime Minister went in by another door because of a demonstration by anti-cuts protesters outside.

In the speech, Mr Cameron said: "I come here today with one simple message: I hope and wish that Scotland will vote to remain part of the United Kingdom."

He ranged over Scotland's part in the formation of the UK, which he said embodied freedom and inclusiveness, contrasted with "blood-soaked memories".

Mr Cameron said ties are thicker now than ever, referring to his own mixed British heritage and that the UK is stronger together with a place in Nato, Europe and the UN Security Council. Economically, he said Scotland's population of about five million is stronger in the larger UK.

He said the UK stands for common endeavour, concluding: "If anything's worth fighting for, that surely is, which is why I'm ready to fight for the life of this country."