Formal countdown begins for Scottish vote that could break up United Kingdom [View all]

[Bosonic]

Source: Reuters

The formal campaign for a Scottish independence vote that could result in the break-up of the United Kingdom began on Friday, though polls currently show Scots are unlikely to vote for the demise of the 307-year-old union with England.

Scottish nationalists hope the desire for independence, historical rivalry and what they say has been centuries of mismanagement by far-off leaders in London will drive Scots to vote for secession in the Sept. 18 referendum.

Britain's main politicians have united against a breakaway, issuing pleas for unity and warnings about the economic costs of independence to the 4 million Scottish resident voters over the age of 16 who will have a vote.

Polls currently show Scots are unlikely to vote to break the union, with roughly 40 percent against independence and 30 percent in favor but there are still enough of them undecided to swing the vote.

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/05/29/us-scotland-independence-campaign-idUSKBN0E92FK20140529