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The Secretary of State for Scotland Michael Moore and the Prime Minister David Cameron have聽signed an agreement with Scotland鈥檚 First Minister Alex Salmond聽which will give the Scottish Parliament the power to hold a referendum on independence.

Michael Moore said:

鈥淭he next two years provide us with a unique opportunity to highlight the benefits of the UK and to seek the positive endorsement of people in Scotland.

鈥淚 want the next two years to be about more than fending off the threat of independence. I want an informed national debate in which the full and positive case for Scotland staying within the UK family is made, heard and won. The onus is on us to provide the strong and positive case for the United Kingdom. We will do that. The ultimate responsibility will then rest with the people of Scotland.

鈥淭he advantages of being part of the UK are quietly accepted by most Scots. Often those advantages are left unearthed or go unreported just because they are the status quo. This campaign will be an opportunity to change that. We can put up in lights the benefits to Scotland of being part of our United Kingdom.

鈥淭he issues at the heart of this debate include the scale of our economy, the strength of our defence, and our strong voice in the world, speaking out for Scottish interests. As we move forwards, producing evidence and making the case, I am confident that people across Scotland will stand up in support of the UK over these things too.鈥�

The Prime Minister David Cameron said:

鈥淭his marks the beginning of an important chapter in Scotland鈥檚 story and allows the real debate to begin.

鈥淚t paves the way so that the biggest question of all can be settled: a separate Scotland or a United Kingdom? I will be making a very positive argument for our United Kingdom.

鈥淚t is now up to the people of Scotland to make that historic decision. The very future of Scotland depends on their verdict. It is that important. This agreement delivers the people鈥檚 referendum.鈥�