Scottish independence referendum: Where prominent figures stand on the issue

The issue of Scottish independence is always a divisive issue, incorporating a wide range of views. Here we look at what has been said by the key players and opinion formers in the long-running debate.

Alex Salmond, First Minister

“The Scottish people have shown a hunger for more powers in order to secure a fairer as well as a more prosperous future and I believe optimism has been chosen over pessimism. Next year will mark a further shift in the debate on Scotland’s future as we move towards a referendum on independence in the second half of the parliament. I am confident that Scotland will decide to take full control of our own destiny and join the international community in our own right. We can then work together to make the most of the incredible strengths that our country possesses – the skills of our people, the richness of our heritage, the beauty of our landscape, the wealth of our resources. We have a bright future to match our illustrious past. Logie Baird, Alexander Fleming, James Watt and others shaped the modern world. Scotland can do this again. Our universities, colleges and scientific institutions are working on cures for the illnesses that beset humankind as well as the renewable energy machines and environmental initiatives that will make human progress compatible with the future of our planet. Scotland once again can be the land that shapes the world into the future.”

Ruth Davidson, leader of the Scottish Conservatives

“I want nothing more than for Scottish MSPs to do what they were elected to do and for the Scottish Government to do what it was elected to do - represent the people of Scotland and work hard to improve the health, education, justice and culture of our nation. Alex Salmond was elected First Minister of the devolved administration, but often acts like the agitator in chief. He is picking fights with Westminster, creating division to further his goal of separatism when what Scotland really needs and wants is both of its governments - in Westminster and Holyrood - working together to improve jobs, training and opportunities for all.”

Johann Lamont, leader of Scottish Labour

“We want the referendum to be held as quickly as possible and we want it to be run in Scotland. If these proposals help there to be a quick, clear and decisive referendum result we would welcome them, but we have yet to see the details. One thing we do welcome is Nicola Sturgeon’s statement that the referendum should be one question. There is now consensus between all four main Scottish parties that the referendum should be one straight yes or no question on Scotland leaving the UK.”

David Cameron, Prime Minister

“It would be desperately sad if Scotland chose to leave the United Kingdom and I will do everything I can to encourage Scotland to stay in the United Kingdom because I think that is the best for all our economies, Scotland included, and all our societies.Let’s not drift apart. I think Alex Salmond knows the Scottish people at heart do not want a full separation and so he is trying to create a situation where that bubbles up and happens whereas I think we need some decisiveness so we can clear up this issue. I don’t think we should just let this go on year after year. I think that’s damaging for everyone concerned, so let’s clear up the legal situation and then have a debate about how we bring this to a conclusion. My view is that sooner rather than later would be better.”

Nick Clegg, Deputy Prime Minister

“At the end of the day, Alex Salmond can’t constantly start spinning round in ever-diminishing circles, confusing people about is it one question or more than one question, what does it mean for jobs, what does it mean for taxation, what does it mean for the currency, what does it mean for defence policy, what does it mean for foreign investment, what does it mean for financial services? I just don’t know.”

Nicola Sturgeon, Deputy First Minister

“This is a blatant attempt to interfere in the decision that is really one for the Scottish Government in terms of the timing of the referendum and for the Scottish people in terms of the outcome. We were elected on the basis of our commitment to have a referendum in the second half of this parliamentary term. This is about Westminster seeking to interfere. We said very clearly in the election that our immediate priority if elected would be to seek to strengthen the Scotland Bill, currently going through the Westminster Parliament, to give the Scottish Parliament important economic job-creating powers, a referendum on independence in the second half of this parliamentary term... The decision on the future of Scotland should be for the Scottish people. That’s democracy.”

Gerry Hassan, Scotsman columnist

“There is panic, opportunism and a loss of patience in the UK Government’s consideration of an immediate referendum. This is part of a wider context of a Scottish crisis of unionism which is itself part of a longer-term decline of unionism across the UK. A UK-initiated referendum does not aid making the positive case for the union, and instead makes more likely a pro-union case characterised by negativity and fear, which will further diminish the levels of trust Scottish voters feel towards Westminster and the British state. In such a situation, the pro-union forces may win one battle, but in the longer run lose the wider fight.”

Simon Hoggart, Guardian columnist

“I’m a hearty supporter of Scottish independence, and I suspect Alex Salmond is canny enough to call a referendum and then win it. It is baffling that English politicians are so eager to keep Scotland on board. There’s nothing in it for the Tories, and now the Scottish voters have humiliated Labour, there is less point in them defending the union. Look at the advantages of independence. The SNP say that, with oil, they would be better off outside the union. The rest of the UK points out that every Scot gets £1,500 more in public spending than each English person. That’s nearly £8bn a year, for which we in the south might find a use. So it’s a win-win situation. I’m afraid I don’t see any real disadvantages for either side except the end of a 304-year experiment which worked some but not all of the time. So why do politicians talk as if it desperately matters?”