London - British Prime Minister David Cameron said on Friday that the question of Scottish independence had been settled “for a generation” after what he called a clear vote by Scots to stay part of the United Kingdom.
Standing in front of his office in central London, Cameron said the result paved the way for a new balanced constitutional settlement for all of Britain, including England, and that draft laws granting Scotland new powers would be published by January.
“The debate has been settled for a generation... There can be no disputes, no re-runs, we have heard the settled will of the Scottish people,” Cameron told reporters.
“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.
“And all this must take place, in tandem with and at the same pace as the settlement for Scotland.”
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said on Friday 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.” - Reuters