Scottish Independence Would Allow Scotland To 'Realise Its Potential'

Independence Would Let Scotland 'Realise Its Potential'

A major campaign to persuade people in Scotland to vote for independence has been launched, with Hollywood star Brian Cox telling people: "We have arrived at the moment to realise our potential."

With the Scottish Government planning an independence referendum for autumn 2014, the drive to win over voters has begun in earnest.

The launch of the Yes Scotland campaign saw famous faces such as Cox and X-Men actor Alan Cumming team up with politicians including First Minister Alex Salmond.

Supporters at the event, staged in an Edinburgh cinema, signed a "Yes declaration" stating it is "fundamentally better" if decisions about the country's future are taken by the people of Scotland.

It aims to get one million voters to sign it before the referendum.

Meanwhile, a poll commissioned by former Labour Chancellor Alistair Darling found just 33% of people agree that Scotland should become independent, with 57% opposed and 10% undecided.

Mr Darling, who is co-ordinating the campaign to keep Scotland in the UK, said: "The Nationalists are entitled to their view but the majority of us simply aren't buying the independence policy they're selling."

But Cox, who starred in Braveheart and The Bourne Identity, urged people to vote Yes, saying: "We have arrived at the moment to realise our potential. Please let's not waste it. Please let's say Yes."

Mr Salmond said supporters at the launch were there to "unite behind a declaration of self-evident truth" that "the people who live in Scotland are best placed to make the decisions that affect Scotland".

The SNP leader went on: "I want Scotland to be independent not because I think we are better than any other country but because I know we're as good as any other country.

"Like these other nations, our future, our resources, our success should be in our own hands."