Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper has expressed concern about potential Scottish independence, saying “greater global interests” would not be served if Scotland voted for independence in an upcoming referendum.
Speaking ahead of the NATO summit in Wales on Thursday, Harper strongly opposed Scottish independence and praised the UK as an “overwhelmingly positive force in the world.” He also said Canadians view the concept of English and Scottish people separating as “inconceivable.”
Harper emphasized that the division of countries like the UK and Canada advances no solutions to any issues.
“There’s nothing in dividing those countries that would serve either greater global interests or frankly the interests of ordinary people in these countries,” he claimed.
The remarks by the Canadian premier comes as an opinion poll published by the Scottish Daily Mail newspaper showed that support for independence has grown by four percent, rising to 47 percent from 43 percent since a similar Survation poll was released earlier this month. According to the poll, support for the anti-independence campaign has fallen to 53 from 57 percent. The results of the poll also showed the so-called no campaign’s lead had been cut to 6 from 14 percentage points.
Scotland will hold a national referendum on September 18 to determine the country’s future. The independence referendum could result in Scotland’s breakaway from the United Kingdom after more than 300 years of political union.
The Westminster, however, has repeatedly warned against Scotland’s independence, saying it will jeopardize the UK’s stability and damage its international standing.
Scottish authorities on the other hand argue that independence from the UK would free Scotland from London’s austerity policies and unnecessary military spending.
MOS/HJL/HMV
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