Scotland signs deal to set up a referendum on independence
October 16, 2012, Tuesday
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SCOTLAND set up a historic independence referendum after its leader signed an agreement yesterday with Britain's prime minister finalizing arrangements for a vote that could lead to the demise of its three-centuries-old union with England.
Scotland's drive for sovereignty, led by its nationalist leader Alex Salmond, echoes separatist moves by other European regions such as Catalonia and Flanders, which feel they could prosper as separate entities inside the European Union.
Signed in the Scottish capital Edinburgh, the deal will allow Scotland to decide in a 2014 referendum whether it should become an independent country or stay within the United Kingdom.
One of the most contentious issues at stake is the ownership of an estimated 20 billion barrels of recoverable oil and gas reserves beneath the UK-controlled part of the North Sea.
Britain is also worried about the future of its nuclear submarine fleet based in Scotland as Salmond says there would be no place for nuclear arms on Scotland's soil after independence. Moving the fleet elsewhere would be costly and time-consuming.
Many Scots are unconvinced about independence. Opinion polls show only between 30 and 40 percent in favour - a range that has changed little as negotiations have intensified.
But Salmond is banking on his skill as an orator to tap into a centuries-old rivalry between Scotland and England to convince doubters independence would allow his country to pursue a more left-leaning agenda than its southern neighbor.
Cameron opposes separation
Salmond said it was a historic day and the agreement paved the way for "a new partnership in these islands."
"The Scottish government has an ambitious vision for Scotland: a prosperous and successful European country, reflecting Scottish values of fairness and opportunity, promoting equality and social cohesion," he told a news conference.
Prime Minister David Cameron opposes Scotland's push, but agrees it is up to Scotland to decide its future for itself in a vote.
"I passionately believe that Scotland would be better off in the United Kingdom but also crucially that the United Kingdom would be better off with Scotland," Cameron said after the signing. "I will be arguing to keep the family together."
But London argues an independent Scotland - home to about 5 million people - would struggle to make ends meet as the bulk of is current funding comes from a 30-billion-pound (US$48 billion) grant from the UK government.
"Independence is about Scotland leaving the UK, becoming a separate state, taking on all the burdens and risks that go with that and losing the benefits and opportunities that we have as part of the UK," said UK Scottish Secretary Michael Moore.
Scotland's drive for sovereignty, led by its nationalist leader Alex Salmond, echoes separatist moves by other European regions such as Catalonia and Flanders, which feel they could prosper as separate entities inside the European Union.
Signed in the Scottish capital Edinburgh, the deal will allow Scotland to decide in a 2014 referendum whether it should become an independent country or stay within the United Kingdom.
One of the most contentious issues at stake is the ownership of an estimated 20 billion barrels of recoverable oil and gas reserves beneath the UK-controlled part of the North Sea.
Britain is also worried about the future of its nuclear submarine fleet based in Scotland as Salmond says there would be no place for nuclear arms on Scotland's soil after independence. Moving the fleet elsewhere would be costly and time-consuming.
Many Scots are unconvinced about independence. Opinion polls show only between 30 and 40 percent in favour - a range that has changed little as negotiations have intensified.
But Salmond is banking on his skill as an orator to tap into a centuries-old rivalry between Scotland and England to convince doubters independence would allow his country to pursue a more left-leaning agenda than its southern neighbor.
Cameron opposes separation
Salmond said it was a historic day and the agreement paved the way for "a new partnership in these islands."
"The Scottish government has an ambitious vision for Scotland: a prosperous and successful European country, reflecting Scottish values of fairness and opportunity, promoting equality and social cohesion," he told a news conference.
Prime Minister David Cameron opposes Scotland's push, but agrees it is up to Scotland to decide its future for itself in a vote.
"I passionately believe that Scotland would be better off in the United Kingdom but also crucially that the United Kingdom would be better off with Scotland," Cameron said after the signing. "I will be arguing to keep the family together."
But London argues an independent Scotland - home to about 5 million people - would struggle to make ends meet as the bulk of is current funding comes from a 30-billion-pound (US$48 billion) grant from the UK government.
"Independence is about Scotland leaving the UK, becoming a separate state, taking on all the burdens and risks that go with that and losing the benefits and opportunities that we have as part of the UK," said UK Scottish Secretary Michael Moore.
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