'Stronger, safer, richer and fairer' — Cameron's case for Union ahead of talks with Salmond
David Cameron has insisted Scotland is ''stronger, safer, richer and fairer'' as part of the United Kingdom.
David Cameron plans to give a strong defence of the Union on his visit to Scotland.
- By David Clegg, political editor
- Published in the Courier : 16.02.12
- Published online : 16.02.12 @ 08.04am
Speaking ahead of a major speech on the subject in Edinburgh today, the Prime Minister outlined his ''positive'' reasons for keeping Britain together.
''To me, this is not some issue of policy or strategy or calculation,'' he said. ''It matters head, heart and soul. Our shared home is under threat and everyone who cares about it needs to speak out.''
Mr Cameron, who is also set for a face-to-face showdown with First Minister Alex Salmond this afternoon, said he would fight ''with everything I have'' to preserve the ''really precious'' Union.
But, expanding on a point he first made in an exclusive interview with The Courier last month, the Prime Minister indicated he would not question Scotland's ability to survive as an independent nation.
''Of course, there are arguments that can be made about the volatility of dependence on oil, or the problems of debt and a big banking system,'' he said. ''But that's not the point. The best case for the United Kingdom is entirely positive.
''We are better off together. Why? Well, first of all, let's be practical. Inside the United Kingdom, Scotland — just as much as England, Wales and Northern Ireland — is stronger, safer, richer and fairer.''
He went on to cite international influence, economic resilience and domestic security as areas where Scotland benefits from its place in the UK.
He said: ''We're stronger, because together we count for more in the world, with a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, real clout in Nato and Europe and unique influence with allies all over the world.
''We're safer, because in an increasingly dangerous world we have the fourth-largest defence budget on the planet, superb armed forces and anti-terrorist and security capabilities that stretch across the globe and are feared by our enemies and admired by our friends.
''We're richer, because inside the United Kingdom Scotland's five million people are part of an economy of 60 million, the seventh-richest economy on the planet and one of the world's biggest trading powers. ''
Mr Salmond told an audience at the London School of Economics on Wednesday that energy reserves would create multi-billion pound wealth for an independent Scotland.
The First Minister said: ''The debate about independence is about looking forward and creating a better future for Scotland. With that future in mind, we still have an opportunity to establish an energy fund to benefit future generations.
''Even just £1 billion a year — less than 10% — invested over 20 years, would create a fund for Scotland worth almost £30 billion.''
He added that the rest of the UK would have much to gain from the emergence of a ''secure, prosperous ally'' to its north.
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10.56am - 16.02.2012 Max - Tayside, Scotland Report This
''stronger, safer, richer and fairer'' as oposed to being "too stupid, too wee and too poor". It is the same insult but using different words. The questions remains. What is the unionist case for Scotland remaining in the UK? Why don't unionists recognise Scotland's contributions and strengths?
11.51am - 16.02.2012 Max - Tayside, Scotland Report This
One comment going the rounds is that Cameron represents a government Scotland didn't vote for and who runs the economy we Scots have no control over. It sort of hits the spot.
01.03pm - 16.02.2012 Stuart Allan - Dundee, Scotland Report This
So, is it fair that Scotland under the Union has the worst poverty stats and, historically, the lowest growing economy in W. Europe despite its inherent wealth? Is it fair millions of Scots have had to leave to make a life? All Camerons words are meaningless rhetoric undermined by the facts.
02.01pm - 16.02.2012 Max - Tayside, Scotland Report This
Well, well, well David Cameron is offering Scots more powers, possibly fiscal autonomy. Now that is a significant change in the Unionist position, but one strangely that undermines Labour's position and not the SNP's. It shows how weak Scottish Labour is on this issue, now ignored by all sides.
12.01am - 17.02.2012 Frank - Fife, Scotland Report This
People aren't fools, Cameron isn't the bogeyman here. Take the Uni funding issue following separation. At the moment English kids would have to pay a big whack, in future the SG would cover the costs at 'x' £bn cost. Who pays? Why can't the SNP govt. answer questions rather than resort to spin?
12.03am - 17.02.2012 Youngy - Dundee, Scotland Report This
Max, how many Scots voted SNP? Look up the facts and see that many more Scots voted for non-independence parties, or didn't vote, than you would care to admit. By a huge margin too!
07.27am - 17.02.2012 L. MacD - Dundee, Scotland Report This
When will Alex Salmond get off his behind and do something. His visit to Liverpool to discuss his views on independence is time wasted burning the midnight oil working to bring jobs to Scotland!
08.45am - 17.02.2012 Bill Connor - Tayport, Scotland Report This
Cameron offers fiscal autonomy if we vote no..I seem to remember the tories offering more powers to Scotland in 79 and of course nothing happened....does anyone remember "the Scotland bill" where their busy taking powers from Scotland....David I'll be voting YES
09.57am - 17.02.2012 Max - Tayside, Scotland Report This
Well Cameron's promise of new powers if Scots vote "NO" in a referendum is based on "could", "might" and "possible". If Scots vote "YES" we get "will", "definite" and "certain". Surely it is beholding on this Prime Minister not to repeat Tory mistakes of the past by making more empty promises.
12.20pm - 17.02.2012 Stuart Allan - Dundee, Scotland Report This
Youngy, conversely, many more voted for pro-independence parties, or didn't vote, than voted for unionist parties. By a huge margin too!
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