Cameron urges Scots to vote against independence

British Prime Minister and Conservative leader David Cameron has used his New Year message to entreat Scottish people to vote against their country’s independence in a planned 2014 referendum.

The British premier highlighted the importance of Scotland’s vote on independence next year and said the outcome matters to everyone in the UK.

“This year, let the message go out from England, Wales and Northern Ireland to everyone in Scotland. We want you to stay and together we can build an even stronger United Kingdom for our children and grandchildren,” Cameron claimed.

Members of the ruling Scottish National Party (SNP), however, dismissed Cameron’s comments, saying his New Year message confirms that the ‘No campaign’ is Conservative- and Westminster-led.

Scotland’s nationalists also criticized Cameron for refusing to go head-to-head with Scottish First Minister and SNP leader Alex Salmond in a televised debate on the independence referendum.

SNP Member of the Scottish Parliament Annabelle Ewing said, “David Cameron’s New Year resolution should be to acquire some courage, and debate Mr Salmond face to face.”

The independence referendum, due to be held on September 18, could result in Scotland’s breakaway from the UK after more than 300 years of political union.