Alex Salmond Quits After Scotland Votes No

10 years ago | Posted in: Latest Politics News | 564 Views

Alex Salmond is standing down as Scotland’s First Minister and SNP leader after his dream of an independent country was shattered.

In Thursday’s referendum, 55% of voters chose to stay part of the United Kingdom while 45% were in favour of going it alone, with a record turnout of 84.5%.

Mr Salmond said he was “immensely proud” of the Yes campaign but believed party, parliament and country would “benefit from new leadership” to take the devolution process forward.

He added: “My time as leader is nearly over but for Scotland… the dream shall never die.”

The result of the vote has left a country divided, with Yes victories in Dundee and the nation’s largest city Glasgow.

He announced his resignation as David Cameron promised new powers for Scotland.

The First Minister, 59, said now was the “opportunity to hold Westminster’s feet to the fire on the ‘vow’ they have made to devolve further meaningful power to Scotland”.

He said he had spoken on the telephone to the Prime Minister who had “reiterated his intention to proceed as he outlined”.

“But he would not commit to a second reading vote by March 27 on a new Scotland Bill”, which the SNP leader said was a clear promise set out by Gordon Brown in the campaign…. see more

source: skynews

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