Only four Scottish constituencies voted in favor of seceding from the U.K.
Scotland
rejected independence in Friday’s referendum count, with around 55% of voters
choosing to stay within the U.K. The 307-year-strong union has survived,
although increased powers will be devolved to the nation.
Scottish
First Minister Alex Salmond, who spearheaded the Yes campaign, conceded defeat
at around 6:17 a.m. local time. “On behalf of the Scottish government I accept
the result and pledge to work constructively in the interests of Scotland and
the rest of the United Kingdom,” he said.
“The
process by which we have made our decision as a nation reflects enormous credit
upon Scotland. A turnout of 86% is one of the highest in the democratic world
for any election or referendum in history — this has been a triumph for the
democratic process and participation in politics.”
Despite a
hard-fought campaign, only four of the 32 local authority districts voted for
independence, including populous Glasgow, although even in this key
constituency the margin was not particularly large, in a devastating blow to
the Yes camp.
The final
bell tolled for secession advocates after Edinburgh voted to maintain ties with
the south by 61%.
“I am
delighted,” said British Prime Minister David Cameron, hinting that more
devolved powers would also be rolled out to other British regions. “It would
have broken my heart to see the United Kingdom come to the end.”
Alistair
Darling, the former Chancellor of the Exchequer who led the No campaign,
admitted that the closeness of the result was a wake-up call.
“Today is a momentous today for Scotland and the United Kingdom
as a whole,” he said. “While confirming our place within the union, we have
confirmed the bonds that tie us together — may they never be broken.”
Pubs across the country were staying open throughout the night
with customers both anxious and excited to see whether the historic union would
be consigned to the history books.
Greg
Waddell, a doctor working in Glasgow, told TIME that he voted Yes “because
disempowerment breeds dependency; because the current extent of social
inequality in Scotland demeans every one of its people.”
Others
among the 4.2 million registered voters were less optimistic about prospects
for going it alone. Nick Allan, an oil executive from Aberdeen, said the Yes
campaign promises were enticing, but he voted No as it would be impossible to
pay for them — especially not with North Sea oil.
“The problem comes down to money,” he says. “How on God’s earth
are you going to be able to afford all of these improvements? The country will
be bankrupt in a matter of years.”
Many
questions regarding what a truly independent Scotland would look like remained
unanswered, including over currency, health care, defense and E.U. membership.
Spain’s Prime Minister was one of several European leaders who said he would
not support Scotland’s application to the bloc, as the Iberian nation was
unwilling to fan separatist campaigns of its own.
These
fears were echoed by Professor Michael Desch, an expert on foreign policy at
the Notre Dame University.
“Ironically,
a peaceful Scottish secession from the United Kingdom could open Pandora’s Box
by raising unrealistic expectations about the ease of parting long-established
national ways,” he said.
The vote
captivated social media. Over the past 24 hours, 1.3 million people on Facebook
made 3.3 million interactions regarding the Scottish referendum debate.
Courtesy: time.com
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