‘No way back’ if Scots leave union, says Darling

The battle lines for one of the longest referendum campaigns in modern political history were drawn on the 25 June 2012 when Alistair Darling warned Scots there would be 'no way back' if they voted to leave the United Kingdom.

Launching a cross-party campaign against Scottish independence, the former Labour Chancellor insisted Scotland could have the best of both worlds: a strong national parliament while continuing to have its voice heard in London.

The campaign – 'Better Together' – backs a No vote in referendum planned for autumn 2014 by the devolved Scottish National party government. The SNP-led campaign for independence – Yes Scotland – got under way in May 2012.

ESO: Background information: Parliament back independence http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-parliament-back-independence/

ESO: Background information: Europe question dogs Scottish referendum http://www.europeansources.info/record/europe-question-dogs-scottish-referendum/

ESO: Background information: The answer to Scottish separatism is a federal union http://www.europeansources.info/record/the-answer-to-scottish-separatism-is-a-federal-union/

Website: Your Scotland. Your Referendum http://www.scotreferendum.com/

Wikipedia: Scottish independence referendum, 2014 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scottish_independence_referendum,_2014

BBC News, 25.6.12: Scottish independence: Alistair Darling warns of 'no way back' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-18572750

Blog: Public Service Europe, 30.8.12: Scottish independence and the EU - a poor fit http://www.publicserviceeurope.com/article/2387/scottish-independence-and-the-eu-a-poor-fit

EurActiv, 11.9.12: Independent Scots may lose EU citizenship http://www.euractiv.com/uk-europe/scots-may-lose-eu-citizenship-news-514720

Blog: EU Journalism Fellowship Blog, 05.12.12: A final word on the future of Scotland in Europe http://eujournalism.blogactiv.eu/2012/12/05/a-final-word-on-the-future-of-scotland-in-europe/

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