Scottish Independence: David Cameron Tells Nationalists Stop Obsessing About Another Referendum

David Cameron Just Shot Down Anyone Still Fighting For Scottish Independence
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EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - MAY 15: British Prime Minster David Cameron meets with Scottish First Minister and leader of the SNP Nicola Sturgeon at Bute House on May 15, 2015 in Edinburgh, Scotland. The two leaders are meeting for the first time since the general election, in which it is expected increased powers for the Scottish Parliament will dominate the agenda. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images

David Cameron has told Scottish nationalists to stop obsessing over independence, one year on from the referendum.

The prime minister said today that it was time to move on, while Nicola Sturgeon is expected to warn Cameron today that the United Kingdom is living on "borrowed time".

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will warn later that if Westminster "continues to ignore Scotland's voice", more and more people will support independence.

In September 2014, Scotland voted 55% to 45% to remain part of the UK. However since then the SNP has seen a surge in support and it captured all but three of Scotland's seats at the general election in May.

The SNP is expected to outline possible plans for another referendum in its manifesto for the 2016 Scottish parliament elections.

Cameron said today: "One year ago Scotland’s majority spoke. More Scots voted to keep our Kingdom United than have ever voted for any Party in any election in Scottish history.

“They voted decisively for a powerful Scottish parliament within a strong and secure United Kingdom. We listened.

“So let me be crystal clear: Scottish devolution is woven into the very fabric of our United Kingdom. We will table an amendment to the Scotland Bill so there is absolutely no doubt: Holyrood is here to stay.

“Alex Salmond, Nicola Sturgeon and I signed the Edinburgh Agreement which pledged we would all respect the outcome of last year’s momentous vote.

“We all agreed – as do the Scottish public - that the independence referendum should be a 'once in a generation' or a 'once in a lifetime' event.

“So now it is time to move on. Some may want to obsess about separation. But I am focussed on delivering devolution so that the debate can move on from what powers the Scottish Parliament should have, to how they are used to better the lives of the people of Scotland."

“And today, on the anniversary of that historic vote, let me be repeat: We are delivering a new, accountable and permanent Scottish Parliament. Holyrood will be one of the most powerful devolved parliaments in the world."

Speaking later today, Sturgeon will say it is up to the "people" whether there is another referendum or not. "Only the people can decide when that will be. And only the people can decide if Scotland will become independent," she will say.

"So, my message to David Cameron today is the same as it was when I met him just after the general election.

"What happens to support for independence in the months and years to come will depend as much on what you do as it will on what we do. And, right now, you are living on borrowed time.

The Scottish first minister will add: "If you continue to ignore Scotland's voice, if you continue to disrespect the choice that people across this country made in May, more and more people will conclude that Westminster simply can't deliver for Scotland. So, it is your choice, Prime Minister – but know that Scotland is watching."

Last weekend Sturgeon responded to Jeremy Corbyn's election as Labour leader with a warning that if Labour could not show it had a "credible chance of winning the next UK general election" then independence was more likely.

Leading entrepreneur Sir Tom Hunter, whose Hunter Foundation has published a report on changes to devolution since the poll, said it was time to "move on" from independence.

Sir Tom said: "We sit in a bit of a beggars muddle where the Scottish Government is negotiating with HM Treasury over settlements; a negotiation that will undoubtedly fuel consistent sniping that Scotland is not getting enough of its share.

"For me, personally, it's time to move on, move forward and use the powers we have. The population decided, politicians are democratically elected and should and must respect the decision of the voters.

"We are all ambitious for Scotland and its time for us to come together, put our differences aside and focus upon building a more prosperous, productive and fairer Scotland where opportunity prevails for all."