David Cameron: Staying in UK ‘best of both worlds’

Published on 11/02/2013 00:46

THE Prime Minister yesterday launched a defence of the United Kingdom.

David Cameron said he had “no time for those who say there is no way Scotland could go it alone”, but the country would better off staying within the UK.

“Britain is admired around the world as a source of prosperity, power and security,” he said. “Put simply: Britain works, Britain works well, why break it?”

Mr Cameron said Britain had built up “world-renowned” institutions, such as the NHS and BBC, and fought for freedom in two world wars, leaving “unbreakable bonds”.

He said: “But the case for the UK is about head as well as heart – our future as well as our past. I have no time for those who say there is no way Scotland could go it alone.

“I know first-hand the contribution Scotland and Scots make to Britain’s success – so for me there’s no question about whether Scotland could be an independent nation.

“The real question is whether it should – whether Scotland is stronger, safer, richer and fairer within our United Kingdom or outside it. And here, I believe, the answer is clear.

“Scotland within the UK has a system of government that offers the best of both worlds. Why swap Scottish MPs, Scottish Cabinet ministers and Scots throughout UK institutions, for one Scottish ambassador in London?”

Mr Cameron said: “I know those arguing for independence are already preparing their separation transition plan, as though they’ve got this in the bag, but to me that is wrong. It’s like fast-forwarding to the closing credits before you’ve been allowed to see the movie.

“The Scottish people still have many months to think about this decision and they are hungry for facts, evidence and expert opinion to help them make up their minds.

“The UK government has a duty to help inform people with hard facts,” said the Prime Minister. “So we’ll be providing expert-based analysis to explain Scotland’s place within the UK and how it might change with separation.

“This big question is for Scotland to decide. But the answer matters to all of our United Kingdom. Scotland is better off in Britain.

“We’re all better off together and poorer apart.”