ASSESSMENTS

Scotland's Push for Autonomy Is Far from Over

Sep 19, 2014 | 06:57 GMT

Scotland's Push For Autonomy is Far From Over
Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond looks dejected as he delivers a speech on Sept. 19 in the wake of a resounding vote to remain part of the United Kingdom.

(Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

Summary

The population of Scotland voted against independence in a historic referendum that would have ended three centuries of political union with the United Kingdom. The "no" vote got roughly 55 percent of the vote, while the "yes" received around 45 percent. This ended weeks of speculation, as the gap between the "yes" and the "no" camps became smaller in recent days. It also prevented the challenge of broad uncertainty for the government in London that would have followed support for independence. Although the U.K. and Scottish governments had agreed on the referendum, there was no precise timeline on what would have happened in the event Scotland voted to become independent. Regardless of this result, Scotland will probably see its autonomy incrementally increased over the coming months and years.

Although Scotland has voted to remain within the United Kingdom, Edinburgh will likely push for increased powers over the coming months and years. ...

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