Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


    January 10, 2012

Britain to Grant Scotland Independence Vote

   VOA News
   Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron holds a news conference at the
   Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Perth October 29,
   2011.
   Photo: Reuters
   Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron (File Photo)

   Britain has set out conditions under which Scotland can decide whether
   to sever centuries-old constitutional ties with Britain.
   The British government said Tuesday it will remove legal hurdles so
   Scots can hold a referendum on gaining independence from Britain for
   the first time since the early 18th century.
   First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond wants to delay the vote for
   several years so the independence movement in Scotland can gain
   momentum.
   But British Prime Minister David Cameron is urging Scotland to hold the
   referendum as soon as possible. Cameron opposes any breakup of the
   United Kingdom.
   The parliaments of England and Scotland voted more than 300 years ago
   to unite in a single kingdom called Great Britain.

   Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.

.