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Scots' no vote still leaves UK in limbo

The concessions offered by Westminster parties and their pledges of devolution are unprecedented and contradictory

Published Fri, Sep 19, 2014 · 04:00 PM

DeeperDive is a beta AI feature. Refer to full articles for the facts.

Edinburgh

SCOTLAND'S landmark decision to reject independence is not the end of British uncertainty. The 55:45 split, with almost all the votes counted early on Friday, leaves the UK intact. But the terms of the unionist victory introduce tensions which could yet lead to a national division.

UK investors and companies will be relieved by the result. Almost a tenth of the UK's population and its GDP will now stay put. The feared economic, financial and monetary disruptions of a split will not materialise. Scottish banks, including Royal Bank of Scotland, will probably stay in Edinburgh. They will continue to enjoy the support of the Bank of England, which will set its monetary policy with Scotland in mind.

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