Premier congratulates Scottish people

GRAND CAYMAN, Cayman Islands – On Thursday a page in history was turned when the people of Scotland rejected independence and chose to prevent a rupture in their country’s 307-year union with England.

I congratulate the people of Scotland on both sides of the issue for conducting a rigorous debate and a fair referendum.

With an 84.5 per cent turnout at the polls, the vote in Scotland on Thursday proves that the democratic process does work. And while democracy prevailed, the conversation between Scotland the United Kingdom must continue.

The UK will now be looking to provide the Scottish parliament, and by extension the Scottish people, with more devolved powers and authority over their own affairs while maintaining the benefits of being part of a stronger and bigger United Kingdom.

Although the vote was narrow with 45 per cent of the voters saying yes and 55 per cent saying no, I believe the result is positive news not only for Scotland, but for the wider UK and those of us in the Overseas Territories. A strong United Kingdom, including Scotland, is better for us in the Cayman Islands and in the other OTs than an alternative that may have created more uncertainty in an already uncertain world.

Again, I congratulate the people of Scotland and wish them well in their goals to attain a greater degree of autonomy for themselves while maintaining the historic, economic and familial link with the rest of the UK.

Scottish referendum: Scotland votes 'No' to independence

From BBC

Scotland has voted to stay in the United Kingdom after voters decisively rejected independence.