Welsh Government
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Scottish referendum deal proves UK status quo 'unsustainable'

The First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones has responded to the agreement reached by the UK and Scottish governments on a referendum on the constitutional future of Scotland.

The First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones said:

"While the constitutional future of Scotland is ultimately a matter for the people of Scotland, I would like to see Scotland remain part of the UK. I firmly believe we are stronger together than we would ever be apart. I believe the people of Scotland will share that view and note No in 2014.

"I would regret enormously any decision by the Scots to opt for independence. However, as I have made clear, a major change in Scotland's relationship with the rest of Britain - or its separation from the rest of the UK - would require a radical reconsideration of Wales' constitutional relationship within a re-defined United Kingdom.

"That's why, earlier this year, I called for the establishment of a Constitutional Convention to agree a new constitutional settlement for the UK which is fit for the 21st century. My vision of a new United Kingdom is a union which is politically diverse, looser, and combines several centres of democratic accountability.

"So, rather than simply allow events in Scotland to unfold, and to react passively to whatever happens when it happens, I believe that political and civil society across the UK should be talking now about what kind of UK we want to see. Whatever happens in 2014, the constitutional status quo is unsustainable."

 

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