Scottish independence

The London Assembly recognises that the question of Scottish independence is a matter for the Scottish people. However, this Assembly would be saddened in the event of a vote by the Scottish people to leave the United Kingdom.

The London Assembly recognises the importance of our shared identities and values and, while celebrating and respecting the cultures of all nations and nationalities within the Union, we believe we are genuinely better together.

Thousands of Scottish people – and people with close family ties to Scotland, including a number of Assembly Members – live in London. The legacy of the Scottish people in London has, and continues to be, considerable; ranging from the discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington to the recent, magnificent redesign of Kings Cross station by John McAslan.

This Assembly believes that maximising economic and social development requires a far greater devolution of powers from Westminster to local, regional, and national governments across the United Kingdom, allowing for decisions to be made at a level where local voices can be clearly heard and reflected. With this in mind, and further to the Mayor’s strong statements on the issue of Scottish independence, we hope that people in Scotland will vote to remain part of the United Kingdom and join us in pursuing our common interest – a fairer constitutional settlement within the United Kingdom.