Campaign for vote on Scottish independence gets underway

(Vatican Radio) The formal campaign for a referendum on Scottish independence got underway Friday which could result in the break-up of the United Kingdom.

Lydia O’Kane reports.

On September 18th voters in Scotland will go to the polls to decide whether or not to vote for secession from the United Kingdom. That means they have 16 weeks starting Friday to get their heads around the Yes or No to independence campaigns.

When they go to the polls they will be asked one question, "Should Scotland be an independent country?"

John McCormick who is the Electoral Commissioner for Scotland told the BBC that questions have to be tested before they are put to voters.

“The established framework is eight weeks of testing with focus groups…”

Scotland has had a devolved parliament since 1999, but leaving the United Kingdom would mean putting an end to direct control from Westminster while keeping "joint assets" such as the pound and the monarchy.

Britain's main politicians are warning that breaking away from the Union could mean an economic downturn for Scottish residents and are issuing pleas for unity.

Meanwhile, those in favour of secession such as Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond says independence  and control of a share of Britain's North Sea oil would place Scotland among the world's richest countries.

Polls currently show Scots are unlikely to vote to secede , with roughly 40 percent against independence and 30 percent in favour.

But with still weeks to go, there are still enough voters undecided to swing the vote.