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| British PM. David Cameron |
Prime Minister David Cameron urged people in all parts of the United Kingdom on Friday to persuade their Scottish friends and family to vote against independence in September's referendum.
In an impassioned speech in London, Cameron warned there were "seven months to save the most extraordinary country in history", ahead of the September 18 vote which threatens to break up the UK.
Only four million Scots can vote, but the British leader reached out to the 59 million people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, which he said would be "deeply diminished without Scotland".
"Get on the phone, get together, email, tweet, speak, let the message ring out... We want you to stay," Cameron said.
"You don't have a vote, but you do have a voice. Those voting are our friends, neighbours and family. You do have an influence."
Cameron, whose Conservative party has only one member of parliament in Scotland, held up his own Scottish roots, saying his surname stems from the West Highlands.
"The name Cameron might mean 'crooked nose' but the clan motto is 'Let us unite' -- and that's exactly what we in these islands have done," the prime minister said.
Polls show increasing support for the Yes campaign, led by the Scottish National Party (SNP) in power in Edinburgh -- although the No vote remains ahead -- and Cameron said there could be "no complacency".
He delivered his speech at the site of the London 2012 Olympic Games, on the opening day of the Sochi Winter Games, and highlighted how all parts of the UK pulled together behind "Team GB" during the sporting contest.
Citing also the global clout, the economic benefits and the shared history and values of the UK "family", Cameron said: "We come as a brand ?- a powerful brand.
"If we lost Scotland, if the UK changed, we would rip the rug from under our own reputation. The plain fact is we matter more in the world together."
'Come and have a debate in Scotland'
The SNP accused Cameron of running scared by giving his speech in London and refusing to take part in a television debate with First Minister Alex Salmond.
Cameron insisted he would venture north of the border several times in the coming months, but chose London on Friday because his message was aimed at people outside Scotland.
But in a round of television interviews after the speech, Salmond said: "If he wants to enter into a debate then let him come and have a democratic debate in Scotland."
He rejected Cameron's argument that the UK would be diminished if Scotland left, saying an independent Scotland could provide a counterweight to London and "rebalance economic growth across these islands".
Salmond added: "The desire of people to have more democratic control -- many people in England can empathise with that and understand that."
A poll published last month by the British Future think tank found 44 percent of people across the UK wanted Scotland to remain in the union, compared to 20 percent who backed independence and 27 percent who were undecided.
Scotland's Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon added that politicising the Olympics was "shameful" and showed the No campaign was "clearly rattled" by the polls.
A new YouGov survey on Friday put Scottish support for independence at 34 percent, up five points in the past six months. The No vote was down seven points at 52 percent.
Scotland has enjoyed increased autonomy since a 1997 referendum on devolution, and now looks after its own education, health, environment and justice.
But the UK parliament in London still decides defence and foreign policy, and the SNP wants full independence.
yahoonews.com
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