The United Kingdom is saved! Scotland votes NO to Independence

The votes are in: The Scots voted NO to independence from the UK. The “No” side won with 2,001,926 votes over 1,617,989 for “Yes”. But changes will happen in the UK after this, with further devolution for Scotland and the possibility of an English parliament in the future.

Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond called for unity and for the unionist parties to deliver on more powers as promised. Prime Minister David Cameron said the commitments on extra powers would be honoured.

The BBC reports the following:

• Share prices rose as Scotland voted against independence.
• Polling officials said they were investigating 10 cases of suspected electoral fraud at polling stations in Glasgow.
• Royal Bank of Scotland said it would keep its headquarters in Scotland following the “No” vote.
• Wales’s First Minister Carwyn Jones said he was pleased Scotland voted to stay in the Union, adding: “Together we will shape a new constitutional future for the UK.”
• Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson said he was “delighted” Scotland would remain in the Union and he would hold talks with his Welsh counterpart to discuss the wider implications.
• Scotland rejected independence by 55% to 45%. For latest results and full coverage, go to bbc.co.uk/scotland-decides.
  

Flick through the album for some of the highlights of the night… let’s hope the United Kingdom can move forward and offer people in Scotland, England and Wales more powers to control their individual needs.