Scottish independence: Bill Clinton urges No vote

Mr Clinton stressed that the decision was for “Scots alone to make”, admitting he had been reluctant to express his views up to now.

But he highlighted issues including uncertainty over currency, and the impact on the economy of “long complex” negotiations - and argued Scotland should send out a “powerful message to the world” about the potential for unity.

• What other countries and political leaders have said about Scottish independence

“Because the independence vote is a decision for the Scots alone to make, and because Scots are already legendary for their independence of mind, I have been reluctant to express my views on the matter.

“I hope my decision to do so will be received in the spirit of friendship with which it is offered,” Mr Clinton said in a statement released through the Better Together campaign.

“I have watched the debate on the future of Scotland with great interest and admiration. With so much turmoil and division across the globe, I hope the Scots will inspire the world with a high turnout and a powerful message of both identity and inclusion.

• What currency options would an independent Scotland have?

“I understand and sympathise with those who want independence. Scotland is blessed with impressive human and natural resources and a strong desire for more widely shared prosperity and social solidarity.

“However, I hope the Scots people will vote to remain in the UK for several reasons: “1) The proposal to keep the pound as its currency without the support that UK membership provides carries substantial risks, as we saw in the EU after the financial crisis.

“2) Separation will require a long complex negotiating process with considerable uncertainty and potential to weaken the Scottish economy.

“3) The increased autonomy promised Scotland by the UK provides most of the benefits of independence and avoids the downside risks.

“4) Unity with maximum self-determination sends a powerful message to a world torn by identity conflicts that it is possible to respect our differences while living and working together. This is the great challenge of our time. The Scots can show us how to meet it.”

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