The majority of Scottish people vote "NO" to an independent Scotland

Back from the brink: Scotland stays in the UK

THE DAY, Friday 19 September 2015

The 307-year-old union between Scotland and the UK survived this morning. 55% of voters said ‘No’ to independence. But politics will never be the same again in Britain.

The United Kingdom remains united and Scotland has rejected the opportunity for independence. In answer to the referendum question: ‘Should Scotland be an independent country?’, 45% voted Yes, but 55% voted No.

It was the busiest day in Scottish electoral history: 4.3 million people — 97% of the electorate — had registered to vote (including 16 and 17-year-olds voting for the first time in a UK election). Turnout was an astonishing 85%.

This was a tumultuous end to what had become, over the last six weeks, an exhilarating roller-coaster ride of political engagement. Many agreed that even though the No team won the vote, the Yes team won the campaign. ‘It has outwitted the three main Westminster parties who spent so long worrying about their positioning ... that they have forgotten about voters’ said Fraser Nelson, editor of The Spectator.

After decades of decline, democracy came alive in Scotland in recent weeks. Nearly everyone had an opinion and was willing to defend it. They informed themselves on every aspect and shared what they learned with others. One commentator recorded his delight in tasting ‘the pure bubbling water of democracy’.

The rejection of independence does not mean that things will stay the same. In the last fortnight as Yes and No ran neck and neck in the polls, the three national party leaders hurriedly pledged that further powers would be transferred to Edinburgh. Gordon Brown called it ‘home rule within the UK’. Changes include greater control over finances and will radically shift power away from Westminster.

But these promises, underpinned by a guaranteed subsidy through the Barnett formula, have already caused deep resentment in other parts of the UK. A huge political row is brewing for Prime Minister David Cameron over ‘the English Question’. Some MPs are now calling for an English parliament. Wales and Northern Ireland are expected to follow.

Unfinished business

Scotland’s First Minister is Alex Salmond, without whose extraordinary political skills it is unlikely this referendum would ever have taken place, let alone have come so close to success. He said last week that this vote would settle the question of Scotland’s independence for a generation and he did not anticipate a 'neverendum'.

But is that likely? The people of Scotland have rediscovered their passion for politics and a belief in the possibility of change. And nearly half of them have just rejected the current political setup. As the general election next May approaches, both north and south of the border there is enough energy and resentment for a perfect storm of political upheaval.

To do/questions:

1. Research and explain the words and phrases highlighted in grey.
2. How old is the union between Scotland and England?
3. Did those who voted YES to the referendum win?
4. What was the winning margin?
5. How many people took part in the referendum?
6. Who "forgot about voters"?
7. Why do you think the three main parties promised further transfers of powers to Edinburgh?
8. Why are some MPs calling for an English Parliament?
9. Will there be another referendum on Scottish independence soon?
10. Name and describe the three main UK parties.
11. What is the SNP?
12. What other areas of Europe want independence and why?

An interesting article on the outcome of the referendum: Chronique du vieux continent