After the Scottish Referendum

Scotland’s independence referendum delivered a clear majority for staying in the United Kingdom (UK) – 55% “no” to 45% “yes” on a turnout of 85% of voters. The signs are that the impact of the referendum may be wide and long-lasting but with very different implications for England and for Scotland.

The leaders of the three main UK political parties – David Cameron (Conservative), Ed Miliband (Labour) and Nick Clegg (Liberal) – promised Scottish voters more devolution in a last-minute attempt to guarantee a “no” vote, in particular more tax and welfare powers for Scotland. But within hours of the result, the leaders were aiming blows at each other and the Scots were not sure whether the rapid timetable they had been promised would fall foul of English politics. Cameron now says that more devolution to Scotland has to be matched with “English votes for English laws”.