Scotland votes to preserve the union

The United Kingdom has been saved, but this is no time for triumphalism. After a bruising referendum campaign, Scots voted decisively against independence. The break-up of Great Britain, and all the dangers that would have entailed, has been averted. The task of civic leaders across the country is to build reconciliation and construct a new constitutional settlement for Britain, with due care and within a reasonable timetable.

This is no easy task. In the shambolic finale to the campaign, David Cameron, prime minister, supported by the major parties at Westminster, offered a string of concessions on extra devolution and fiscal powers for Scotland. Mr Cameron made clear today that the referendum result cannot be construed as a vote for no change. He called for a “balanced” settlement for all parts of the United Kingdom, including England, Wales, Northern Ireland as well as Scotland.

The question is how to interpret his pledge. The No vote – higher than many pollsters predicted at around 55 per cent – strengthens his hand. But he has committed parties to publish a draft bill in January to set out what the new devolved powers should be. That is a very tight timetable. It is hard to avoid the impression of constitution-making on the hoof. 

The new settlement should not only resolve the question of the role of Scottish MPs at Westminster. It must also, as Mr Cameron said today, determine whether there should be additional powers for Wales and Northern Ireland and take into account the English dimension more broadly. This process should not be approached in a piecemeal way. There may yet be a case for the calling of an all-party constitutional convention to provide a blueprint for reform within a year of the May 2015 election.

The Scottish referendum campaign has been a deeply unsettling experience for the political leaders at Westminster. Mr Cameron’s authority, in particular, has been dented by the unfocused Better Together campaign and the unwise deal he struck with Alex Salmond two years ago on the terms of the referendum. The Scottish campaign has added to concerns that a referendum to keep Britain in the EU will be a close run thing.

Today, there will be disappointment north of the border. Some will be angered that a once-in-a-generation chance for independence has gone. The issue of independence should now be settled for at least a generation. Healing the wounds of a bruising campaign will therefore take time. The least that can be said is that Scotland has given the western world a powerful lesson in democracy and political participation, though referendums are not a substitute for sound representative government.

For now the overwhelming reaction must be one of relief. There will not be border posts along Hadrian’s Wall. Britain’s nuclear submarine fleet will not be looking for a new home. Scotland’s business will remain within the British single market. The money in its banks and financial institutions will stay put.

A huge and destabilising constitutional crisis has been averted. The challenge of finding a consensual settlement that can draw together the peoples of these islands now begins.

Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2014.