Scottish independence: David Cameron lays claim to ‘people’s referendum’ as PM and SNP ‘on verge of deal’

DAVID Cameron last night said he was on the verge of delivering a “people’s referendum” and promised to campaign with all his strength to keep Scotland in the United Kingdom.

The Prime Minister made an impassioned plea for the Union, saying it would be a “tragedy” if Scotland became independent.

Prior to the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham tomorrow, Mr Cameron said he was “close” to a deal with Alex Salmond which will see Scotland vote in a poll that poses a single question on ­independence.

In another sign that the deal has almost been signed off by both governments, his remarks were welcomed by the Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who said she was looking forward to getting beyond technical discussions on the ­referendum.

As the two sides in the battle for Scotland’s future start to move from the referendum process to the arguments for and against independence, Mr Cameron indicated that he would be stepping up his campaign to secure a “No” vote. Mr Cameron said: “I think we are close [to a deal] and I think we will reach an agreement. I am glad about that, because I think Scotland and the Scottish people deserve a fair, decisive and legal referendum about their future.”

“I dearly hope and will campaign very hard for Scotland to remain part of the United Kingdom rather than opt for separation. I think agreement is close and it is right to ask the ­question.

“I am a passionate believer in the United Kingdom. I think we are stronger together. It is not just that I think Scotland benefits from being part of the United Kingdom, I think the United Kingdom benefits from having Scotland within that.

“Think of all the extraordinary things we have done ­together in the past and all the things we can do in the future, I think it would a tragedy for Scotland to separate herself from the United Kingdom and I will campaign with everything I have got to say let’s stick ­together.”

In an interview with the BBC in London, the Conservative Party leader said he was prepared to stand alongside Labour politicians to defend the UK and was full of praise for Alistair Darling, the former Labour chancellor who is leading the Better ­Together campaign.

“I will share a platform with anybody who wants to stand up for the United Kingdom and what it means. I am delighted that Alistair Darling is leading the campaign. He is a man of great integrity. He will do a very good job.”

The Prime Minister was speaking as it emerged that he and Ruth Davidson, the Scottish Tory leader, are to back the creation of a body that will draw up a new constitutional settlement for the whole of the UK in the event of Scotland rejecting independence in the referendum.

Last night, Ms Sturgeon welcomed Mr Cameron’s comments on the referendum deal.

Ms Sturgeon’s spokeswoman said: “The Prime Minister’s e­nthusiasm for a referendum on independence is a welcome step forward, and we are looking forward to moving beyond the technical discussions on how the referendum is conducted.”