The people of
Scotland have spoken. It is a clear result. They have kept our country of four
nations together. Like millions of other people, I am delighted.
As I said during
the campaign, it would have broken my heart to see our United Kingdom come to
an end.
And I know that
sentiment was shared by people, not just across our country, but also around
the world… because of what we’ve achieved together in the past and what we can
do together in the future.
So now it is time
for our United Kingdom to come together, and to move forward.
A vital part of
that will be a balanced settlement – fair to people in Scotland and importantly
to everyone in England, Wales and Northern Ireland as well.
Let us first
remember why we had this debate – and why it was right to do so.
The Scottish
National Party was elected in Scotland in 2011 and promised a referendum on
independence.
We could have
blocked that, we could have put it off but just as with other big issues, it
was right to take - not duck - the big decision.
I am a passionate
believer in our United Kingdom – I wanted more than anything for our United
Kingdom to stay together.
But I am also a
democrat. And it was right that we respected the SNP’s majority in Holyrood and
gave the Scottish people their right to have their say.
Let us also
remember why it was right to ask the definitive question, Yes or No.
Because now the
debate has been settled for a generation or as Alex Salmond has said, perhaps
for a lifetime.
So there can be
no disputes, no re-runs – we have heard the settled will of the Scottish
people.
Scotland voted
for a stronger Scottish Parliament backed by the strength and security of the
United Kingdom and I want to congratulate the No campaign for that – for
showing people that our nations really are better together.
I also want to
pay tribute to Yes Scotland for a well-fought campaign and to say to all those
who did vote for independence: "We hear you."
We now have a
chance – a great opportunity – to change the way the British people are
governed, and change it for the better.
Political leaders
on all sides of the debate now bear a heavy responsibility to come together and
work constructively to advance the interests of people in Scotland, as well as
those in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, for each and every citizen of our
United Kingdom.
To those in
Scotland sceptical of the constitutional promises made, let me say this we have
delivered on devolution under this Government, and we will do so again in the
next Parliament.
The three
pro-union parties have made commitments, clear commitments, on further powers
for the Scottish Parliament.
We will ensure
that they are honoured in full.
And I can
announce today that Lord Smith of Kelvin – who so successfully led Glasgow’s
Commonwealth Games – has agreed to oversee the process to take forward the
devolution commitments with powers over tax, spending and welfare all agreed by
November and draft legislation published by January.
Just as the
people of Scotland will have more power over their affairs, so it follows that
the people of England, Wales and Northern Ireland must have a bigger say over
theirs.
The rights of
these voters need to be respected, preserved and enhanced as well.
It is absolutely
right that a new and fair settlement for Scotland should be accompanied by a
new and fair settlement that applies to all parts of our United Kingdom.
In Wales, there
are proposals to give the Welsh Government and Assembly more powers.
And I want Wales
to be at the heart of the debate on how to make our United Kingdom work for all
our nations.
In Northern
Ireland, we must work to ensure that the devolved institutions function
effectively.
I have long believed
that a crucial part missing from this national discussion is England.
We have heard the
voice of Scotland - and now the millions of voices of England must also be
heard.
The question of
English votes for English laws – the so-called West Lothian question –requires
a decisive answer.
So, 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.
I hope that is
going to take place on a cross-party basis…
I have asked
William Hague to draw up these plans.
We will set up a
Cabinet Committee right away and proposals will also be ready to the same
timetable
I hope the Labour
Party and other parties will contribute.
It is also
important we have wider civic engagement about to improve governance in our
United Kingdom, including how to empower our great cities. And we will say more
about this in the coming days.
This referendum
has been hard fought. It has stirred strong passions. It has electrified
politics in Scotland, and caught the imagination of people across the whole of
our United Kingdom.
It will be
remembered as a powerful demonstration of the strength and vitality of our
ancient democracy.
Record numbers
registered to vote and record numbers cast their vote.
We can all be
proud of that.
It has reminded
us how fortunate we are that we are able to settle these vital issues at the
ballot box, peacefully and calmly.
Now we must look
forward, and turn this into the moment when everyone – whichever way they voted
– comes together to build that better, brighter future for our entire United
Kingdom.
