Cameron in referendum powers offer (From Swindon Advertiser)

Cameron in referendum powers offer

3:05pm Thursday 16th February 2012 in National News © Press Association 2011

Prime Minister David Cameron has promised to consider more powers for Scotland if voters reject independence in a referendum.

The Tory leader made the offer in a speech in Edinburgh, where he set out his defence of more than 300 years of political union between Scotland and England.

"This doesn't have to be the end of the road," he said. "When the referendum on independence is over, I am open to looking at how the devolved settlement can be improved further.

"And, yes, that does mean considering what further powers could be devolved. But that must be a question for after the referendum, when Scotland has made its choice about the fundamental question of independence or for the United Kingdom.

"When Scotland has settled this question once and for all - and ended the uncertainty that could damage and hold back Scotland's prospects and potential."

Mr Cameron was also in the Scottish capital to meet First Minister Alex Salmond, who wants to hold the referendum in autumn 2014.

Mr Salmond, the leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), has suggested allowing a second question onto the ballot paper specifically on greater devolved powers. However, his critics have called this a fall-back in the event of a No vote, and that it could muddy the waters.