Scotland vote to stay with UK

Majority of Scottish voters have chosen "NO" for independence and remain with United Kingdom. With the results in from all 32 council areas, the "No" side won with 2,001,926 (55.3%) votes over 1,617,989 (44.7%) for "Yes".

Mr Cameron said the three main unionist parties at Westminster would now follow through with their pledge of more powers for the Scottish Parliament.

From 1707 until 1999, Scotland and England alike were governed by the UK parliament. But Tony Blair's government established a separate Scottish Parliament and devolved authority over a number of important matters to the Scottish government — including health, education, and housing. Most of the funds for those things are determined by a budget set in London. Scotland has a limited ability to raise some extra tax revenue, but lacks any kind of borrowing authority. In short, even though Scotland has its own flag and World Cup team, it has less governing power than Rhode Island or New Mexico. Hence the appeal of devo-max proposals.

 

The prime minister also acknowledged that the people of England, Wales and Northern Ireland must have a bigger say over their affairs.

And he promised a solution to the West Lothian question - the fact that Scottish MPs can vote on English issues at Westminster, and not the other way round.

In other developments:

• US President Barack Obama welcomed Scots' decision to stay in the UK. "Through debate, discussion, and passionate yet peaceful deliberations, they reminded the world of Scotland's enormous contributions to the UK and the world," he said.
• Police Scotland said Thursday's vote "passed off smoothly" with just six arrests across the country mainly for alleged breaches of the peace and assaults.
• Share prices rose as Scotland voted against independence.
• Polling officials said they were investigating 10 cases of suspected electoral fraud at polling stations in Glasgow.
• Royal Bank of Scotland said it would keep its headquarters in Scotland following the "No" vote.
• Wales's First Minister Carwyn Jones has called for more funding for his country after Scotland voted to stay in the Union.
• Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson said a vote on the future of Northern Ireland's border was not necessary following Scotland's 'No' vote.
• Scotland rejected independence by 55% to 45%. For latest results and full coverage, go to bbc.co.uk/scotland-decides.