David Cameron: Scotland and the UK are stronger together

Published on Thursday 16 February 2012 00:00

WHEN we unite and help each other we are safer, richer and have a fairer society. We should not undo that, writes David Cameron

The fight is now under way for something really precious: the future of our United Kingdom. I am 100 per cent clear that I will fight with everything I have to keep our United Kingdom together. To me, this is not some issue of policy or strategy or calculation – it matters head, heart and soul. Our shared home is under threat and everyone who cares about it needs to speak out.

My argument is not that Scotland couldn’t make a go of being on its own, if that’s what Scots decide. Of course Scotland could. They are plenty of small, independent nation states of a similar size or even smaller.

There are arguments that can be made about the volatility of dependence on oil, or the problems of debt and a big banking system. But that’s not the point. The best case for the United Kingdom is entirely positive: We are better off together.

Why? Well, first of all, let’s be practical. Inside the United Kingdom, Scotland – just as much as England, Wales and Northern Ireland – is stronger, safer, richer and fairer.

We’re stronger because together we count for more in the world, with a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, real clout in Nato and Europe, and unique influence with allies all over the world. We’re safer, because in an increasingly dangerous world we have the fourth-largest defence budget on the planet, superb armed forces and anti-terrorist and security capabilities that stretch across the globe.

We’re richer, because inside the United Kingdom Scotland’s five million people are part of an economy of 60 million, the seventh-richest economy on the planet and one of the world’s biggest trading powers. Today, Scotland has a currency which takes into account the needs of the Scottish economy as well as the rest of the United Kingdom when setting interest rates and it can borrow at rates that are among the lowest in Europe.

The United Kingdom helps ensure fairness, too. Not just because we all benefit from being part of a properly-funded welfare system, with the resources to fund our pensions and healthcare needs, but because there is real solidarity in our United Kingdom.

When any part of the United Kingdom suffers a setback, the rest of the country stands behind it. Whether it is floods in the West Country, severe weather in the north or the economic dislocation that has hit different parts at different times and in different ways we are there for each other.

So the practical links directly to the emotional. The strength of the United Kingdom is about the heart as well as the head. I am not just proud of the Union because it is useful. I’m proud because it shapes and strengthens us all.

The link between our nations is a precious thing. It’s about our history, our values, our shared identity and our joint place in the world. Just think of what we’ve achieved together. Scotland has contributed to the greatest political, cultural and social success story of the last 300 years: the creation and flourishing of a United Kingdom built on freedom and inclusivity.

The Union has never been about shackling different nations: it’s a free partnership, a joint effort, often driven by Scottish ideas and Scottish leadership. Together we have turned a group of islands on the western edge of Europe into one of the most successful countries in the world.

And one of the reasons we are tempted to look backwards is because Scotland as a nation – and as part of the United Kingdom for more than 300 years – has achieved so much.

But proud as that past and present are, I am convinced that for both Scotland and the United Kingdom our best days lie ahead of us. Though it may be a great historical achievement, the United Kingdom is even more of an inspiring model for the future.

Look at the key challenges of our times. In an increasingly globalised world, with populations moving, cultures clashing and new connections offering opportunities for prosperity, every state is asking itself how can we build institutions that combine diversity with strength?

Nothing encapsulates the principle of pooling risk, sharing resources and standing with your neighbour better than the United Kingdom.

And it is a United Kingdom which is not monochrome and minimalist but multi-national, multi-cultural and modern in every way. That is what the United Kingdom offers – and what other nations aspire to.

Far from growing apart as separate nations we’re actually growing together. There are now more Scots living in England and English people living in Scotland than ever before. Almost half of Scots now have English relatives.

I don’t believe the people of Scotland – any more than the people of any other part of the United Kingdom – want to turn inward and away from each other.

A Conservative leader joining this debate is accused of everything from interference to irrelevance. I accept my party’s presence in Scotland is small. I know there are some who even argue we would do better politically without Scotland. My response to all these points is the same: I am not interested.

This matters too much – to me personally, and to the future of our country. I’m not coming to Scotland today to make a case on behalf of my party, its interests or its approach to office. I am coming as the Prime Minister of the whole United Kingdom to stand up and speak out for what I believe in.

The strengths that have served us within the United Kingdom through the centuries are precisely the ones we most need today. So let’s have this debate, set out the arguments – and settle the question.

• David Cameron is the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

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57

The West Awake

Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 08:22 PM

56 - I'm with you. As a positive defence of the union it is threadbare, jingoistic, simplistic, so full of holes you could spit peas through it and just plain wrong. But....I nevertheless have to say it's the first real attempt to do so by a UK politician of any standing. Compare it with Labour - who steadfastly refuse to do anything except oppose whatever the SNP are doing, and the Lib Dems, who sell themselves to the highest unionist bidder and deliver nothing. It's rubbish, for sure, but for me it's the first sign of proof that the independence struggle has finally main it to the top table. They have ignored us, laughed at us and now they're fighting us - you know what comes next...

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56

Vickers

Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 05:49 PM

Apologies for the lenght of this but as an English person living in Scotland, the patronising empty stuff from Mr C is a bit much to stomach. So here is my response to Mr C' 'Our shared home is under threat and everyone who cares about it needs to speak out.' What - our home is under threat. I think not Mr Cameron and shame on you for such wild rhetoric 'We’re stronger because together we count for more in the world, with a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, real clout in Nato and Europe, and unique influence with allies all over the world.' Is this really true - that we are stronger (in some undefined way). Exactly how Mr C, has this benefitted me and my fellow citizens. In practice - the main impact these days seems to be that we are a target for terrorist attacks and are reminded every single day and on every single train journey to be on the lookout for suspicious packages etc etc. Personally I get a bit worried every time Westminster gets over active in playing at being a 'world power'. 'We’re safer, because in an increasingly dangerous world we have the fourth-largest defence budget on the planet, superb armed forces and anti-terrorist and security capabilities that stretch across the globe'. Ummm - see above. I cant say that I feel any safer than say citizens of Sweden, Austria, Switzerland, Canada or any other western country. 'We’re richer, because inside the United Kingdom Scotland’s five million people are part of an economy of 60 million, the seventh-richest economy on the planet and one of the world’s biggest trading powers. Today, Scotland has a currency which takes into account the needs of the Scottish economy as well as the rest of the United Kingdom when setting interest rates and it can borrow at rates that are among the lowest in Europe.' Well - yes - but Scotland could set its own rates etc etc and it might just - might just mange to run an economy that doesnt have such disparities of wealth as that which your citizens in England live with. And as you say yourself - in an interconnected world, Scotland would be part of a very large EU trading block. One which would dwarf England 'The United Kingdom helps ensure fairness, too. Not just because we all benefit from being part of a properly-funded welfare system, with the resources to fund our pensions and healthcare needs, but because there is real solidarity in our United Kingdom'. What on earth does this mean - that 'there is real solidarity in our UK'. When Westminster poilcies start taking full account of needs in Scotland, I might begin to take this seriosuly rather than consider it to be just an empty phrase. 'The link between our nations is a precious thing. It’s about our history, our values, our shared identity and our joint place in the world. Just think of what we’ve achieved together. Scotland has contributed to the greatest political, cultural and social success story of the last 300 years: the creation and flourishing of a United Kingdom built on freedom and inclusivity. The Union has never been about shackling different nations: it’s a free partnership, a joint effort, often driven by Scottish ideas and Scottish leadership. Together we have turned a group of islands on the western edge of Europe into one of the most successful countries in the world'. Mr Cameron! I hail from England and never have I been so ashamed to be English as when reading the above. You tread on thin ice Mr C. You know, and I know that for far to much of its history the Union did indeed shackle and subjugate Scotland to England's needs. Look at the key challenges of our times. In an increasingly globalised world, with populations moving, cultures clashing and new connections offering opportunities for prosperity, every state is asking itself how can we build institutions that combine diversity with strength? Agreed - but it is as independent countries that each country enters into mutualy beneficial arrangments. And as you and your party know only to well fromn the experience of entering and engaging with the EU and the Eurozone, you need the independence and right to control your own place and destiny in such arrangemetns. And it is a United Kingdom which is not monochrome and minimalist but multi-national, multi-cultural and modern in every way. That is what the United Kingdom offers – and what other nations aspire to. Far from growing apart as separate nations we’re actually growing together. There are now more Scots living in England and English people living in Scotland than ever before. Almost half of Scots now have English relatives. Yes - and I am one of the English living in Scotland, and it is the exprience of living here that has made me painfully aware of the general disregard that Westminster has tended to display towards Scotland. And it is that experience which makes me appalled by the rather patronising messages you convey. Put the shoe on the other foot Mr C - imagine that it is a continental voice lecturing you on the merits of stronger together, shared history, strengthht in diversity etc etc

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55

fourbyfour

Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 03:38 PM

OK David, if this means so much to you, will you personally discuss things with Alex instead of delegating this to Mr Moore? Thought not. The article is meandering and lacking any true argument. In fact the only argument put forward for retaining the Union is that it would be such a shame if we went our own ways.

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54

Brond

Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 01:08 PM

Over 68% of those asked in polls want further powers for the Scottish Parliament. We have a UK political structure which leaves many parts of the UK as disenfranchised minorities - neither Scotland, the North East or Wales get the government they voted for, though under a federal system this problem would be greatly eased. Recently, in a newspaper interview, Martin Farr, senior lecturer in modern and contemporary history at Newcastle University argued: “The 1980s governnment was a government of the South and famously imposed the poll tax on Scotland a year earlier. It wasn’t a representative government in any way and I think that is also something which the present government shares.” We have a situation in Scotland where in 2010 we voted for 41 Labour MPs and 1 Tory MP (they came fourth in Scotland0, only to get 1 Tory MP in government and 41 Labour MPs out of government. Westminster is reluctant to grant significant further powers because it would erode their own power and lead to calls for greater powers in Wales, Northern Ireland, and for the English regions. If Scotland is to remain in the UK, then sooner or later the unionists will have to grasp the issue of political change. Telling voters in Scotland that we're better off staying together while ignoring genuine concerns about the nature of our representative democracy is a dereliction of duty. It is time the debate on political reform was seized by parties in England. Scotland's only real options are remaining in a UK with some kind of federal structure, or independence. No change is not an option and reminds me of the approach the Tories took to devolution in the 90s, ignore it and hope it goes away.

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53

Speyside Malt

Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 12:38 PM

"Stronger together, weaker apart". So said Titanic to the last lifeboat.

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52

zippitydoodaa

Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 12:37 PM

Hmm David, Not very fair that only one country in the Union decides on who governs them................................................................................... More than nine times out of ten, the government in a General Election is chosen solely by voters in England....................................... Unjustifiable & unsustainable.

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51

Sneeky

Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 12:23 PM

Scotland 'stronger, safer, richer and fairer' as part of UK __Why do we need to be stronger? Stronger how, Militarily, Socially, Economically? __The UK has the seventh largest Economy in the world but spends the fourth most on the military. Why do we need to spend so much more on the military than countries that are more prosperous than us. __Scotland needs only to have a Defence force to defend our borders, we need not go galavanting over the globe on militaristic adventures at the behest of the Americans for nothing more than resources under the guise of democracy.__ We have the UK's entire nuclear deterrent located next to our Largest population centre (Glasgow) and as such it is prime target number 1 for any nuclear attack and is far far higher a terrorsit target due to this. Nuclear weapons are pointless for a country our size as they cannot save us, only incinerate those who incinerated us already. __And besides, its not likely that we would be targeted for nuclear desturction if an enemy knew we could not retaliate in such a fashion. The only countires that would have the capability are Russia and China and even then they are more interested in getting our money through trade. Indeed, the most likely people to attack us are terrorists and we are FAR more likely to be a target as part of the UK with its Middle east adventures. Much better to be a small country that works with others than a large country that bully's and intimidates others so that we end up targets of extremists.__We are certainly not stronger socially as it has been 6 decades since the Scottish people voted for a Conservative Government and yet we are lumbered with them constantly. __We have a situation where the Education of our youth is promoted in Scotland and yet attempt to standardise £9k fees are imposed from Westminster against the wishes of the Scottish electorate (See latest amendments to the Scotland Bill for details). The NHS is preserved in Scotland and beig privatised in England, the social cohesion that has brough this country is being undermined. Again, attempts are being made to undermine the Scottish electorates wishes for social provisions in the constant attacks on free elderly care, prescriptions and the removal of market economics from this public service.__Economically we can look at the fact that the UK is the seventh largest Economy, but this is foolish. GDP means nothing on its own! It is GDP per head of population that equates to wealth and the UK lies in 22nd position with Iceland 16th, Ireland 15th and Norway 4th. In fact the OECD has stated that should Scoltnad be independent it would occupy the number 7 slot, displacing the USA to 8th for wealth per head of population.__Scotland currently has 8.4% of the UK population but pays 9.4% of all Taxes and spends 9.3% of all UK spending. Scotland would be better off financially through independence based on current spending.__It also must be noted that an independent Scottish Defence force is estimated to cost £2.2 Billion and would be a full £960 million cheaper than we currently spend yet be better equiped for defence.__All taxes and incentives for industry are set up to benefit the south east of england at present. Scottish Independence could alter the balance by reducing Corporation tax or providing incentives to move here thereby reducing the levels of unemployment and increasing taxes overall. Within the Union we currently cannot do this.__We have some of the largest areas of deprivation and unemployment in the Union yet pay the most in taxes outside of the South east, and even then there is a question mark over how much the south east actually contributes due to headquarters being registered there for tax.__We are currently looking at the UK losing the coveted AAA rating, yet Scotlands books would be significantly better and as such we would not likely lose the AAA as we are comfortably within the criteria, like many many other small countries.__The UK is the fourth most unequal country in the Western World. The Condems are removing the social provisions that stopped it being even worse. The bankers, the city and the politicians are attempting to suck the rest of the country dry. There is 1 Tory MP in scotland and yet they think they can talk for us.__Our fishing rights are used as bargaining chips in EU negotiations, our Banks are classed as UK for taxes and Scottish for debts. Our peopel are treated to sub-standard media accountability and service and we are constantly overlooked for UK infrastructure projects as these continually get built in the south of England (HS2 £32 Billion, Cross- Rail £16 Billion, Millenium Dome, Channel Tunnel, Olympics £9 Billion, M25 improvements etc...) and NO Barnett consequentials get put through.__All the time the Forth road bridge, trams in edinburgh, commonwealth games etc... are having to be funded from our pocket money only.__So Jog on Mr Cameron!

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50

douglas-home rule

Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 11:41 AM

"Better together" blah blah. Nothing there about a new Barnett formula, but that is what they want. Independence would allow a clear view of each other and an equality of status which cannot be achieved in the "Union". Look at the relationship between England and Ireland now. Its the best its ever been. Because their status is as equals. Defence--Scotland gets a poor deal with defence spending, building the hulls for two aircraft carriers does not make up for the poor share of spending we receive for our taxes, but you wont hear the Beeb question that, given the lousy deal Scotland gets for our licence fee we shouldnt be surprised. " We count for more in the World"-- No we dont. Internationally we are collectively thought of as England and no one from the UK state ever corrects this. Look at Mr Moore and Cardinal O'Brien. A small point, but Moore has neither the status nor inclination to change what happened.

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49

Rorybone100

Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 10:27 AM

46 Oops! A cybernat's veil has slipped! Oh no, perhaps Lords Foulkes and Robertson will spring into action to expose me as a sinister SNP apparatchik! Afraid not even a member of the SNP, just a night shift worker with a bit of time to kill. Beware the dangers of c&p from Facebook.

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48

Vote 'NO'

Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 10:26 AM

Pose a question to Salmond. Listen to his answer, and then disect it, sentence by sentence. Look at Uni funding for a start. Salmond claims that he would have a surplus, yet the rest of Britain would get into our Unis for nothing if we were separate. Jings, Swinney can't make the sums add up at the moment - how would he fill that black hole?

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47

Faceless_bureaucrat

Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 10:08 AM

Arriving in Heathrow last night was like landing in a third world country - the point being, much has changed from 1707.

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46

Rorybone100

Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 10:08 AM

Ruairidh Macleod ‎"We’re stronger because together we count for more in the world, with a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, real clout in Nato and Europe, and unique influence with allies all over the world. We’re safer, because in an increasingly dangerous world we have the fourth-largest defence budget on the planet, superb armed forces and anti-terrorist and security capabilities that stretch across the globe." This is what Davo reckons is so sexy about the Union, the fourth largest defence budget but only the seventh largest economy. We are clearly living beyond our means. But this is what the London elite craves, the appearance of global clout, a seat at the Security Council and all the baubles of geo-politics. So what do we get for this massive defence spending? Two carriers, years from completion, with no planes to fly from them. Trident and the ba&^%rd son of Trident, vastly expensive and utterly useless sited 20 miles from our largest city. Soldiers being made redundant when forces are already spread painfully thin. And what does Scotland get from this? A bill of £4billion per annum and a defence spend in Scotland of £2billion. Independence is the best thing that can happen for the Former UK. It will lose its permanent membership of the security council and its politicians will have to focus on running the Former UK instead of playing at international power politics.

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45

Goodbye London Labour

Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 10:05 AM

England will go down the tubes without Scotland subsidising her. I can't wait!!

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44

The View from Salisbury Crags

Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 09:54 AM

England benefitted from the onion in 1707 because two of its key policy objectives in its relations with Scotland were realised - the securing of the northern border against potential incursions and the protestant succession. Scotland got to trade with the english colonies so in substance the position was that Scotland had to accept being absorbed by england into great-er britain in order not to be excluded form the english free trade area. Neither of the english objectives is relevant now nor is the scottish given the situation with the EU and the WTO so the original reasons for Scotland participating are not valid. The original arguments against the onion remain and are joined by an important reason for leaving now and that is that all small nations in Europe which are run on sound economic grounds are faring better than many of the large nations. This is chiefly a cultural point because the energy gain which comes from the concentration of efforts once responsibility is assumed creates the momentum for social and economic activity based in and of assistance in developing the community. And all of that without looking at the oil but of course that's why davie c wants Scotland to stay - just as thatcher used the oil in the 80's to fund her right wing anti social - 'there is no such thing as society'- theories and unemployment so is dave cameron as son of thatcher with his revolting finance minister doing the same. Let's stand fast for the future Scotland and vote yes in 2014 - let's all do that in the name of the future of the country and all its people and in remembrance of Andrew Fletcher!!

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43

samcoldstream

Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 09:37 AM

The Prime Minister is of course correct because he was elected to protect the integrity of this this unitary state. However, with the exception of the chattering classes, the vast majority of English people have little interest in what happens North of the Tweed. "England's future has very little to do with the rest of Britain." (Source: Quote by Harold MacMillan when Foreign Secretary during the height of the British Empire)

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