Cameron makes unity plea in talks over Scottish independence

Feb 16, 2012, 16:59 GMT

London - British Prime Minister David Cameron Thursday invoked the 'blood-soaked memories' of the joint history of Scotland and England in an impassioned plea to preserve the unity of the United Kingdom.

In his first official visit to Scotland since he came to power in May 2010, Cameron said he believed in the United Kingdom, 'head, heart and soul.'

But, he added, it was not up to him to dissuade the regional Scottish government from holding a referendum on independence, planned for 2014.

'I hope and wish that Scotland will vote to remain part of the United Kingdom ... It's a precious thing. It's about our history, our values, our shared identity and our joint place in the world,' said Cameron.

The union, forged more than 300 years ago, embodied 'freedom and inclusiveness,' contrasted with 'blood-soaked memories,' said Cameron.

However, after talks with Alex Salmond, Scotland's First Minister and leader of the staunchly pro-independence Scottish National Party (SNP), it became clear that the two men had not seen eye to eye.

Cameron said little progress had been made on the key issues of the timing of the referendum, and on how the referendum question would be put.

The government in London has urged a Scottish vote should be held next year - and not in 2014 - and that people should be asked one straight 'yes' or 'no' question about whether they wanted to leave the union with England.

Salmond's SNP has left open the option of posing a second question, offering maximum devolution instead of full independence.

In his speech, Cameron held out the prospect of more autonomous powers for Scotland should the referendum reject full independence.

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