Scottish independence a 'leap into the dark', Cameron warns

UK Prime Minister warns Scottish independence will be a 'leap into the dark', while the Yes campaign says pro-Union parties are in a panic

The UK Prime Minister has made his most impassioned plea yet to the people of Scotland not to vote for independence in next week's referendum.
In a last minute appeal, David Cameron expressed his desperate wish “not see a family of nations ripped apart.”
Next Tuesday, Scottish voters will be asked if they want their country to stay in the United Kingdom or separate form it.
Writing in the Daily Mail newspaper, Cameron warned Scottish voters that independence is a "leap into the dark" from which there is no going back.
The remarks came as the UK leader prepares to visit Scotland with other national party leaders today to put their case for the Union.
In a dramatic move, Cameron and Labour leader, Ed Miliband, decided not to take part in their weekly exchanges at Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday. They will instead head to Scotland, where they will be “listening and talking to voters" about the choice they face next week.”
Cameron's appeal and the leaders' visit indicate wide concern after recent opinion polls suggest the result of the referendum is on a knife edge.
“The United Kingdom is a precious and special country. That is what is at stake. So let no-one in Scotland be in any doubt: we desperately want you to stay; we do not want this family of nations to be ripped apart,” Cameron wrote.
"Across England, Northern Ireland and Wales, our fear over what we stand to lose is matched only by our passion for what can be achieved if we stay together.”
"If we pull together, we can keep on building a better future for our children. We can make sure our destiny matches our history, because there really will be no second chances. If the UK breaks apart, it breaks apart forever," Cameron added.
British media expected a serious revolt in the Conservative party, the biggest partner in the government coalition, against its leader, Cameron.
It is reported that the prime minister might be forced to resign by rebels in his party if he fails to stop Scotland leaving the union.
"This is not about Scotland versus the rest of the United Kingdom. It is about two competing visions of Scotland's future,” Cameron said.
The Scottish First Minister, Alex Salmond, described the leaders' anticipated visit to Scotland as a sign of total panic.
Meanwhile, Better Together campaign promised Scotland will have more devolution within months of a No vote, warning a vote for independence will lead to years of wrangling with the UK and Europe.
"I don't want to see that turbulence, all that risk, all that uncertainty. I want to make sure we can improve the quality of people's lives within the United Kingdom, within Scotland," Alistair Darling, the leader of the No campaign said.
Speaking on Scottish TV last night, he added "think about it, if we break away in 10 days time, the months, and years of wrangling with the UK, the years of wrangling within the European Union, and all the time what's going to happen to jobs?”
Darling's remarks came after the leaders of the three main pro-union parties in Scotland came together to pledge more powers for the country if it rejects independence.
Labour leader Johann Lamont, Conservative leader Ruth Davidson and Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie stood shoulder-to-shoulder in Edinburgh to endorse a timetable for change after the September 18 vote.
Buckingham Palace said Queen Elizabeth will uphold the sovereign's traditional neutrality and not seek to influence the debate on the issue.
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