But the popular monarch didn't indicate a preference on how Scots should vote, carefully maintaining the neutrality that is her constitutional obligation.
Still, some may interpret her comments as a suggestion that Scots looking to embrace independence should be cautious about severing Scotland's long ties to the United Kingdom, which date back more than 300 years.
The queen spoke after a Sunday church service near her Balmoral estate in Scotland. She made the comment to a well-wisher in the crowd.
Buckingham Palace recently issued a statement indicating her plans to remain neutral before Thursday's vote.
Weekend polls have suggested the race is too close to call with both sides planning a frenetic final few days of campaigning.
Prime Minister David Cameron is expected to return to Scotland to attempt to persuade voters to reject independence and remain part of the United Kingdom.
The "Better Together" campaign has been emphasizing the economic uncertainties that would face an independent Scotland, while pro-independence forces have been predicting a rosy future for an oil-rich Scotland free of the United Kingdom.
If Scotland votes for independence, it would split from the United Kingdom in 18 months.
AP
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/09/14/scotland-independence-queen_n_5819034.html
14/9/14
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Referendum: Queen bricht ihr Schweigen....
ReplyDeleteWenige Tage vor der Abstimmung über eine Unabhängigkeit Schottlands hat Queen Elizabeth II. ihr eisernes Schweigen zu dem Referendum gebrochen. Sie sagte am Sonntag beim Verlassen eines Gottesdiensts nahe ihrer schottischen Sommerresidenz Balmoral der Zeitung The Times zufolge zu Umstehenden, sie hoffe, dass die Menschen "sehr gut über die Zukunft nachdenken".............http://kurier.at/politik/ausland/schottland-referendum-queen-bricht-ihr-schweigen/85.653.869
15/9/14
Gordon Brown to outline pledge for greater Scottish autonomy as part of a No vote rally...
ReplyDeleteFormer Prime Minister Gordon Brown is today expected to outline a pledge by Britain’s three main parties, to devolve more powers to Scotland in the event of a No vote in the referendum for Scottish independence.
Mr Brown will be campaigning alongside Labour leader Ed Miliband in Scotland on the penultimate day of campaigning, ahead of next Thursday’s vote.
Political debate will centre on a pledge by David Cameron, Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg to give Scottish Parliament “extensive new powers”.
The pledge includes the promise that resources will be shared equitably; and that the final say on funding for the health service will lie with the Scottish Government.
After a significant rally in Aberdeen by Mr Cameron yesterday, today Labour will deploy both their party leader and former prime minister to sell the deal to wavering voters.
However the Yes campaign argues only independence will allow Scotland's economy to grow, creating jobs and opportunities and protect services................http://www.rte.ie/news/2014/0916/644014-scotland-referendum/
16/9/14