2014-09-20 09:06:00

Leaders look ahead after Scotland's referendum vote


(Vatican Radio) The people of England and Scotland are looking ahead after the Scottish people voted against independence an historic referendum this week.

Listen to Ann Schneible’s report:

Opponents of independence won 55 percent of the vote while separatists won 45 percent with all 3.6 million votes - a record 85 percent turnout - counted.

However, leaders from across the United Kingdom said the union must change if it is to endure.

The Queen of England released a written statement in the aftermath of Thursday’s vote:

“Now, as we move forward,” she wrote, “we should remember that despite the range of views that have been expressed, we have in common an enduring love of Scotland, which is one of the things that helps to unite us all.”

“Knowing the people of Scotland as I do, I have no doubt that Scots, like others throughout the United Kingdom, are able to express strongly-held opinions before coming together again in a spirit of mutual respect and support, to work constructively for the future of Scotland and indeed all parts of this country.”

Scottish nationalist Alex Salmond resigned as leader of his party on Friday and will quit as First Minister of his country after losing an independence referendum.

Salmond said he would not accept the nomination as leader of the Scottish National Party at an annual conference in November and that he would then resign as First Minister.








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