Scotland’s ‘Yes’ leader says independence vote is ‘once in a lifetime’

Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond has given his backing to proposals for dramatic devolution of powers to England after the Scottish independence referendum, telling Yahoo he has “great confidence” the English can govern themselves. Salmond, who spoke with Yahoo days before voters go to the polls on Thursday to decide whether Scotland will leave the U.K. for good, suggested measures extending devolution to Scotland could be matched south of the border.

I think England is very capable of self-government. I don’t think people should question its ability to move forward as a country.

Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond

Salmond’s comments will infuriate those in Westminster preparing for more Scottish devolution in a bid to sway wavering voters in Thursday’s referendum. But they may be welcomed by some in England, like the Local Government Association, who are calling for any further “devo-max” settlement to be matched in England’s regions. Yesterday, David Cameron spoke in Aberdeen to make clear to “Yes” supporters who believe independence could be reversed that there is “no going back.”

When people vote on Thursday they are not just voting for themselves, but for their children and grandchildren, and the generations beyond.

U.K. Prime Minister David Cameron

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