ロイター
１８日に行われるスコットランド独立の是非を問う住民投票の結果がどうなろうと、従来の主権国家で構成される欧州の姿は変容していこうとしている。中央政府の統制力が弱まり、一部地域が離反するという流れだ。
住民投票でスコットランド独立賛成派が勝利すれば、欧州では政治的な地殻変動が起こり、スペインにおけるカタルーニャからベルギーにおけるフランドルに至るまでの分離独立運動を刺激することになる。
またスコットランド独立反対が過半数を占めた場合でも、英政府はスコットランド行政府により大きな権限を譲渡すると約束しており、ウェールズや北アイルランドにも同じような措置がもたらされる可能性は大きい。
いずれにせよ、独立について住民投票が実施されたという前例は、欧州全域に反響を巻き起こすだろう。
例えばスペイン政府はもはや、独立の是非を問う住民投票を要求するカタルーニャ住民の圧力には抗しきれないと判断するかもしれない。カタルーニャ州は人口が７４０万人に上り、ＥＵ加盟のうちの十数カ国よりも規模が大きい。
先週には数十万人の住民がスペイン政府に投票実施を求めるデモを行っており、こうした動きは既により大きな自治権を獲得しているスペインのバスク地方にも影響を及ぼしていくのは間違いない。
欧州の地図は冷戦によって何十年も固定化されてきたが、ベルリンの壁崩壊以降は新国家が誕生し、昔存在していた国家もバルカン半島では流血を伴い、バルト海地域では平和裏に、それまでの中央政府のくびきを脱して再び姿を現した。
こうした非常に不安定な遠心力と求心力の対決が解き放たれた一因は、グローバリゼーションと欧州連合（ＥＵ）の統合推進にある。
ＥＵと英国で外交官を務めたロバート・クーパー氏は、欧州諸国を「ポストモダン国家」と称し、主権の一部が自由に共有されるようになったと説明。２００３年の著書「国家の崩壊」で、「ＥＵは各加盟国の国内問題に相互に介入するための高度に発展したシステムになった」と記した。
これによって国境の重要性は低下し、地方レベルで住民がより民主的な統治を求める動きが強まった。
ただＥＵはこれらの変化のきっかけになってきた例が多いが、常に解決策を提供しているわけでもない。
１９９０年にＥＵが設立した地域委員会は域内地方政府に政策決定に関する発言の機会を付与したものだが、実権のない諮問機関を１つ増やしただけの形になっている。
かつて域内で最も強い自治権を持つある地方政府の代表を務めた人物は「地域委員会は完全な失敗だ。やはり国家でなければ、さまざまな問題をＥＵに政策議題として持ち込むことはできない」と話した。
それでもスコットランドやカタルーニャの独立運動は、欧州統合を自国政府の支配から逃れる手段とみなしている。彼らはＥＵの会議に自らの席を確保して、英国やスペインの介在を減らしたいと考えているのだ。
欧州において２００８年に始まった経済危機は、中央集権化と地域主権拡大主義という２つの相対立する推進力をともに加速させた。また各国内で富める地域と貧しい地域の資源配分をめぐる衝突が激化、一例はベルギーのオランダ語圏フランドルとフランス語圏ワロンの対立だが、それだけでなくイタリアやドイツでも同様の状況が起きた。
ドイツで富裕なバイエルン州やヘッセン州は、貧しい北東部の州に補助金をこれ以上提供したくないと考え、裁判所に財政平準化制度の異議を申し立てた。イタリアでも豊かな北部が南部に分配することにうんざりしていて、そうした負担を制限する財政連邦主義的なシステムを導入した。
スコットランドやカタルーニャで有権者を独立賛成に傾かせたのは、中央政府の政治指導層が一般国民の手の届かないところで絵を描いた緊縮財政への抗議という側面もある。
一方で経済危機は、英国独立党や仏国民戦線、オーストリアとオランドの自由党といった極右政党も躍進させた。彼らはＥＵからの離脱と、移民や輸入品に対して国境を固める保護主義を唱えている。
ＥＵにとっては従来の主権国家の分裂が進めば、意思決定システムにかかる緊張が増し、動脈硬化を起こすリスクが出てくる。
加盟２８カ国でさえ、満場一致で場合によっては国民投票も加えた形で条約を批准するというのは十分に難しい。さらにバルカン半島地域の６カ国が新たに加盟を求めており、現加盟国の一部が分裂する可能性がある点からすれば、ＥＵは運営不能に陥ってしまう恐れがあるとの懸念も専門家の中から聞こえてきている。
ジュネーブ大学グローバル問題研究所のニコラ・ルブラ氏は、「小国家」の増殖がＥＵの統治システムの改革を促しつつあると指摘。「これほど新国家が多くなれば、国家代表で構成するＥＵのやり方を修正せざるを得なくなる。６（カ国）で始まって２８程度でまずまず機能している制度が、１００になってうまく働かないのは明らかだ」と述べた［パリ １４日 ロイター］ 。
関連記事
スコットランド独立住民投票、現地はいま
Scotland's Yes Campaign Continues On The Scottish Borders(01 of56)
BERWICK-UPON-TWEED, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 07: Members of English Scots for Yes hold a border tea party, to celebrate the continuing open border between Scotland and England after a possible Yes vote in the Scottish Independence referendum on September 7, 2014 in Berwick Upon Tweed. An opinion poll published today, shows the yes camp had 51% to 49% for no, excluding dont know voters. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
Scottish independence referendum(02 of56)
Jim Sillars, Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon talk to the press during a visit to Edinburgh campaigning as "Team Scotland against Team Westminster". (credit:David Cheskin/PA Wire)
Alex Salmond Campaigns In Edinburgh For An Independent Scotland(03 of56)
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: First Minister Alex Salmond, meets with Yes supporters during campaigning in Piershill Square on September 10, 2014 in Edinburgh, Scotland. The three main UK Westminster Parliament party leaders are all campaigning in Scotland today showing their support for a \'No\' vote in the independence referendum.. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
John Prescott and Alistair Darling Join The Scottish Labour Battle Bus(04 of56)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: \'Yes\' and \'No\' voters protest as John Prescott and Alistair Darling join the Scottish Labour Battle Bus on Rutherglen main street on September 10, 2014 in Glasgow, Scotland. The three UK party leaders are all campaigning in Scotland today showing their support for a \'No\' vote in the independence referendum. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) (credit:Mark Runnacles via Getty Images)
John Prescott and Alistair Darling Join The Scottish Labour Battle Bus(05 of56)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: \'Yes\' and \'No\' voters protest as John Prescott and Alistair Darling join the Scottish Labour Battle Bus on Rutherglen main street on September 10, 2014 in Glasgow, Scotland. The three UK party leaders are all campaigning in Scotland today showing their support for a \'No\' vote in the independence referendum. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) (credit:Mark Runnacles via Getty Images)
Scottish independence referendum(06 of56)
Alex Salmond talks to the press during a visit to Edinburgh campaigning as "Team Scotland against Team Westminster". (credit:David Cheskin/PA Wire)
Scottish independence referendum(07 of56)
Nicola Sturgeon, Alex Salmond and Jim Sillars talk to the press during a visit to Edinburgh campaigning as "Team Scotland against Team Westminster". (credit:David Cheskin/PA Wire)
Scottish independence referendum(08 of56)
Campaigners wait for Alex Salmond during a visit to Edinburgh campaigning as "Team Scotland against Team Westminster". (credit:David Cheskin/PA Wire)
Scottish independence referendum(09 of56)
Prime Minister David Cameron speaks during a visit to Scottish Widows offices in Edinburgh, where he made an impassioned plea to keep Scotland part of the union, saying he would be "heartbroken" if the UK was torn apart. (credit:Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)
Scottish independence referendum(10 of56)
Prime Minister David Cameron speaks during a visit to Scottish Widows offices in Edinburgh, where he made an impassioned plea to keep Scotland part of the union, saying he would be "heartbroken" if the UK was torn apart. (credit:Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)
Scottish independence referendum(11 of56)
Prime Minister David Cameron speaks during a visit to Scottish Widows offices in Edinburgh, where he made an impassioned plea to keep Scotland part of the union, saying he would be "heartbroken" if the UK was torn apart. (credit:Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)
Scottish independence referendum(12 of56)
Prime Minister David Cameron speaks during a visit to Scottish Widows offices in Edinburgh, where he made an impassioned plea to keep Scotland part of the union, saying he would be "heartbroken" if the UK was torn apart. (credit:Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)
Scotland's Yes Campaign Continues On The Scottish Borders(13 of56)
BERWICK-UPON-TWEED, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 07: Members of English Scots for Yes hold a border tea party, to celebrate the continuing open border between Scotland and England after a possible Yes vote in the Scottish Independence referendum on September 7, 2014 in Berwick Upon Tweed. An opinion poll published today, shows the yes camp had 51% to 49% for no, excluding dont know voters. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-SCOTLAND-INDEPENDENCE-VOTE(14 of56)
British MP and former Finance Minister Alistair Darling (C) is pictured as he campaigns for the pro-union \'Better Together\' campaign in Edinburgh, Scotland, on September 8, 2014, ahead of the referendum on Scotland\'s independence. Supporters of the United Kingdom began a fightback on Monday to stop Scotland voting for independence in next week\'s referendum after an opinion poll put the separatists ahead for the first time. AFP PHOTO / ANDY BUCHANAN (Photo credit should read Andy Buchanan/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:ANDY BUCHANAN via Getty Images)
Nicola Sturgeon Continues Health Campaign(15 of56)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 08: Danny Barbieri, 4-years old, dressed in a Superman superhero outfit, holds aloft a Pro-Scottish independence \'Yes Scotland\' campaign sign, as he and other supporters await the start of a press event on September 8, 2014 in Glasgow, Scotland. Scotland will vote on whether or not to leave the United Kingdom in a referendum to be held on September 18th this year. (Photo by Jeremy Sutton-Hibbert/Getty Images) (credit:Jeremy Sutton-Hibbert via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-SCOTLAND-INDEPENDENCE-VOTE(16 of56)
Scottish MP Jim Murphy addresses crowds outside The Grassmarket in Edinburgh for the pro-union \'Better Together\' campaign on September 8, 2014, ahead of the upcoming Scottish independence referendum. Supporters of the United Kingdom began a fightback to stop Scotland voting for independence in next week\'s referendum after an opinion poll put the separatists ahead for the first time. AFP PHOTO/ANDY BUCHANAN (Photo credit should read Andy Buchanan/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:ANDY BUCHANAN via Getty Images)
BRITAIN-SCOTLAND-INDEPENDENCE-VOTE(17 of56)
Supporters of the pro-union \'Better Together\' campaign hold \'No\' signs as they listen to Scottish MP Jim Murphy address crowds in Edinburgh on September 8, 2014, ahead of the upcoming Scottish independence referendum. Supporters of the United Kingdom began a fightback to stop Scotland voting for independence in next week\'s referendum after an opinion poll put the separatists ahead for the first time. AFP PHOTO/ANDY BUCHANAN (Photo credit should read Andy Buchanan/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:ANDY BUCHANAN via Getty Images)
SNP Leader Alex Salmond Continues The Yes Campaign Trail(18 of56)
KILMARNOCK, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 03: Alex Salmond First Minister of Scotland visits Brownings bakers on September 3, 2014 in Kilmarnock,Scotland. With just 15 days of campaigning to go in the referendum campaign recent polls show the No campaign is now just six points ahead of the Yes campaign, down from 14 points in mid-August and 22 points early last month, excluding the undecided voters. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
Yes And No Campaigns Take To The Streets Of Edinburgh And Glasgow(19 of56)
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: (EDITORS NOTE: This image is a re-crop of image #455028102) First Minister Alex Salmond, meets with Scots and other European citizens to celebrate European citizenship and Scotland\'s continued EU membership with a possible Yes vote on September 9, 2014 in Edinburgh, Scotland. With just eight days of campaigning left before voters will go to the polls to vote yes or no on whether Scotland should become an independent country, Sturgeon argued that a Yes vote would present an opportunity for all of Scotland\'s communities to work together to build a fairer and more prosperous country. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
Yes And No Campaigns Take To The Streets Of Edinburgh And Glasgow(20 of56)
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Bride to be Ruth Cheadle holds Yes placard as First Minister Alex Salmond, met with Scots and other European citizens to celebrate European citizenship and Scotland\'s continued EU membership with a possible Yes vote on September 9, 2014 in Edinburgh, Scotland. With just eight days of campaigning left before voters will go to the polls to vote yes or no on whether Scotland should become an independent country, Sturgeon argued that a Yes vote would present an opportunity for all of Scotland\'s communities to work together to build a fairer and more prosperous country. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
Yes And No Campaigns Take To The Streets Of Edinburgh And Glasgow(21 of56)
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Yes supporters await the arrival of First Minister Alex Salmond, during an event wher he met with Scots and other European citizens to celebrate European citizenship and Scotland\'s continued EU membership with a possible Yes vote on September 9, 2014 in Edinburgh, Scotland. With just eight days of campaigning left before voters will go to the polls to vote yes or no on whether Scotland should become an independent country, Sturgeon argued that a Yes vote would present an opportunity for all of Scotland\'s communities to work together to build a fairer and more prosperous country. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
Yes And No Campaigns Take To The Streets Of Edinburgh And Glasgow(22 of56)
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Yes supporters await the arrival of First Minister Alex Salmond, during an event where he met with Scots and other European citizens to celebrate European citizenship and Scotland\'s continued EU membership with a possible Yes vote on September 9, 2014 in Edinburgh, Scotland. With just eight days of campaigning left before voters will go to the polls to vote yes or no on whether Scotland should become an independent country, Sturgeon argued that a Yes vote would present an opportunity for all of Scotland\'s communities to work together to build a fairer and more prosperous country. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
Yes And No Campaigns Take To The Streets Of Edinburgh And Glasgow(23 of56)
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson, Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont and Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie, announce their backing for more powers for Scotland on September 9, 2014 in Edinburgh,Scotland. With just eight days of campaigning left before voters will go to the polls to vote Yes or No on whether Scotland should become an independent country, Alex Salmond has suggested that the No campaign is falling apart. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
Yes And No Campaigns Take To The Streets Of Edinburgh And Glasgow(24 of56)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 9: Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon (MSP), on the Yes Campaign trail talks with undecided voter Leo McWard on his doorstep in Easterhouse on September 9, 2014 in Glasgow, Scotland. With just eight days of campaigning left before voters will go to the polls to vote Yes or No on whether Scotland should become an independent country, Alex Salmond has suggested that the No campaign is falling apart. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) (credit:Mark Runnacles via Getty Images)
Yes And No Campaigns Take To The Streets Of Edinburgh And Glasgow(25 of56)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 9: Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon (MSP), and anti-poverty campaigner and lifelong Labour Party member Bob Holman on the Yes Campaign trail pose with \'Yes\' campaigners in Easterhouse on September 9, 2014 in Glasgow, Scotland. With just eight days of campaigning left before voters will go to the polls to vote Yes or No on whether Scotland should become an independent country, Alex Salmond has suggested that the No campaign is falling apart. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) (credit:Mark Runnacles via Getty Images)
Yes And No Campaigns Take To The Streets Of Edinburgh And Glasgow(26 of56)
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Two women wave from a window of a property on the Royal Mile on September 9, 2014 in Edinburgh,Scotland. With just eight days of campaigning left before voters will go to the polls to vote Yes or No on whether Scotland should become an independent country, Alex Salmond has suggested that the No campaign is falling apart. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
Gordon Brown Speech At Scottish Labour Headquarters(27 of56)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 9: Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown delivers a speech to a packed room at Scottish Labour campaign headquarters on September 9, 2014 in Glasgow, Scotland. With just eight days of campaigning left before voters will go to the polls to vote Yes or No on whether Scotland should become an independent country, Alex Salmond has suggested that the No campaign is falling apart. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) (credit:Mark Runnacles via Getty Images)
Gordon Brown Speech At Scottish Labour Headquarters(28 of56)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 9: Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown delivers a speech to a packed room at Scottish Labour campaign headquarters on September 9, 2014 in Glasgow, Scotland. With just eight days of campaigning left before voters will go to the polls to vote Yes or No on whether Scotland should become an independent country, Alex Salmond has suggested that the No campaign is falling apart. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) (credit:Mark Runnacles via Getty Images)
Independence Posters Seen Throughout Scotland(29 of56)
SELKIRK, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: A vote Yes campaign sign is placed in a shop window ahead of the Scottish referendum on September 10, 2014 in Selkirk, Scotland. The Scottish referendum takes place next week and will determine if Scotland is to remain part of the United Kingdom. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Forsyth via Getty Images)
Independence Posters Seen Throughout Scotland(30 of56)
SELKIRK, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: A shop window is adorned with Yes campaign signs on September 10, 2014 in Selkirk, Scotland. The Scottish referendum takes place next week and will determine if Scotland is to remain part of the United Kingdom. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Forsyth via Getty Images)
Scottish independence referendum(31 of56)
Members of English Scots for Yes hold a \'Border tea party\' at the border at the border between Scotland and England just north of Berwick-upon-Tweed as a YouGov poll puts the pro-independence campaign in the Scottish independence referendum ahead for the first time. (credit:Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
Independence Posters Seen Throughout Scotland(32 of56)
SELKIRK, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: A Yes campaign placard is erected outside a house on the Scottish borders on September 10, 2014 in Selkirk, Scotland. The Scottish referendum takes place next week and will determine if Scotland is to remain part of the United Kingdom. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Forsyth via Getty Images)
Scottish independence referendum(33 of56)
Members of English Scots for Yes hold a \'Border tea party\' at the border at the border between Scotland and England just north of Berwick-upon-Tweed as a YouGov poll puts the pro-independence campaign in the Scottish independence referendum ahead for the first time. (credit:Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
Scottish independence referendum(34 of56)
The flags of St George, the flag of Scotland and the Great Britain flag fly high in North Northumberland not far from the Scottish Borders, as the debate over Scottish independence will enter a new phase tonight with the first live television clash between the First Minister and the man leading the campaign to keep the UK together. (credit:Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
Independence Posters Seen Throughout Scotland(35 of56)
SELKIRK, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: A No campaign placard is placed on a gate on the edge of a farmers field in the Scottish borders on September 10, 2014 in Selkirk, Scotland. The Scottish referendum takes place next week and will determine if Scotland is to remain part of the United Kingdom. (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images) (credit:Ian Forsyth via Getty Images)
Scottish independence referendum(36 of56)
Ronnie Anderson from Edinburgh waves a Saltire flag beside the \'18 September 2014\' sign outside the Scottish Parliament, as there are 100 days to go until the referendum. (credit:Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)
Scottish independence referendum(37 of56)
A general view at the border between Scotland and England just north of Berwick-upon-Tweed as a YouGov poll puts the pro-independence campaign in the Scottish independence referendum ahead for the first time. (credit:Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
Scottish independence referendum(38 of56)
Better Together leader Alistair Darling launches the organisation\'s 100 Days to Go campaign during an event at Community Central Hall in Glasgow. (credit:Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
The Saltire Flies Above Downing Street(39 of56)
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: The Saltire flies above 10 Downing Street on September 9, 2014 in London, England. The three main party leaders are tomorrow heading to Scotland to join the referendum campaign trying save the Union of the United Kingdom. The Scottish referendum takes place on the 18th September. (Photo by Matthew Lloyd/Getty Images) (credit:Matthew Lloyd via Getty Images)
Gordon Brown Speech At Scottish Labour Headquarters(40 of56)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 9: Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown delivers a speech to a packed room at Scottish Labour campaign headquarters on September 9, 2014 in Glasgow, Scotland. With just eight days of campaigning left before voters will go to the polls to vote Yes or No on whether Scotland should become an independent country, Alex Salmond has suggested that the No campaign is falling apart. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) (credit:Mark Runnacles via Getty Images)
Gordon Brown Speech At Scottish Labour Headquarters(41 of56)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 9: Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown delivers a speech to a packed room at Scottish Labour campaign headquarters on September 9, 2014 in Glasgow, Scotland. With just eight days of campaigning left before voters will go to the polls to vote Yes or No on whether Scotland should become an independent country, Alex Salmond has suggested that the No campaign is falling apart. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) (credit:Mark Runnacles via Getty Images)
Yes And No Campaigns Take To The Streets Of Edinburgh And Glasgow(42 of56)
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Yes flags and placards are placed in a window on the Royal Mile on September 9, 2014 in Edinburgh,Scotland. With just eight days of campaigning left before voters will go to the polls to vote Yes or No on whether Scotland should become an independent country, Alex Salmond has suggested that the No campaign is falling apart. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
Scottish independence referendum(43 of56)
Deputy First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon and actor Alan Cumming outside the Yes Kelvin campaign hub in Glasgow ahead of the Scottish independence referendum vote on September 18. (credit:Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
Scottish independence referendum(44 of56)
Deputy First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon and actor Alan Cumming outside the Yes Kelvin campaign hub in Glasgow ahead of the Scottish independence referendum vote on September 18. (credit:Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
Scottish independence referendum(45 of56)
Deputy First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon and leader of Plaid Cymru Leanne Wood, campaign to say that a Yes vote is the only way to secure the status and funding of ScotlandÕs NHS, during a photocall in Glasgow, as the campaign ahead of the Scottish independence referendum continues. (credit:Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
Yes And No Campaigns Take To The Streets Of Edinburgh And Glasgow(46 of56)
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Better Together campaigners join the Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson, Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont and Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie, as they announce their backing for more powers for Scotland on September 9, 2014 in Edinburgh,Scotland. With just eight days of campaigning left before voters will go to the polls to vote Yes or No on whether Scotland should become an independent country, Alex Salmond has suggested that the No campaign is falling apart. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
Yes And No Campaigns Take To The Streets Of Edinburgh And Glasgow(47 of56)
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Better Together campaigners join the Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson, Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont and Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie, as they announce their backing for more powers for Scotland on September 9, 2014 in Edinburgh,Scotland. With just eight days of campaigning left before voters will go to the polls to vote Yes or No on whether Scotland should become an independent country, Alex Salmond has suggested that the No campaign is falling apart. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
Yes And No Campaigns Take To The Streets Of Edinburgh And Glasgow(48 of56)
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Yes supporters await the arrival of First Minister Alex Salmond, during an event wher he met with Scots and other European citizens to celebrate European citizenship and Scotland\'s continued EU membership with a possible Yes vote on September 9, 2014 in Edinburgh, Scotland. With just eight days of campaigning left before voters will go to the polls to vote yes or no on whether Scotland should become an independent country, Sturgeon argued that a Yes vote would present an opportunity for all of Scotland\'s communities to work together to build a fairer and more prosperous country. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
Yes And No Campaigns Take To The Streets Of Edinburgh And Glasgow(49 of56)
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Yes supporters await the arrival of First Minister Alex Salmond, during an event wher he met with Scots and other European citizens to celebrate European citizenship and Scotland\'s continued EU membership with a possible Yes vote on September 9, 2014 in Edinburgh, Scotland. With just eight days of campaigning left before voters will go to the polls to vote yes or no on whether Scotland should become an independent country, Sturgeon argued that a Yes vote would present an opportunity for all of Scotland\'s communities to work together to build a fairer and more prosperous country. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
Yes And No Campaigns Take To The Streets Of Edinburgh And Glasgow(50 of56)
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: First Minister Alex Salmond, meets with Scots and other European citizens to celebrate European citizenship and Scotland\'s continued EU membership with a possible Yes vote on September 9, 2014 in Edinburgh, Scotland. With just eight days of campaigning left before voters will go to the polls to vote yes or no on whether Scotland should become an independent country, Sturgeon argued that a Yes vote would present an opportunity for all of Scotland\'s communities to work together to build a fairer and more prosperous country. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
Yes And No Campaigns Take To The Streets Of Edinburgh And Glasgow(51 of56)
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: First Minister Alex Salmond, meets with Scots and other European citizens to celebrate European citizenship and Scotland\'s continued EU membership with a possible Yes vote on September 9, 2014 in Edinburgh, Scotland. With just eight days of campaigning left before voters will go to the polls to vote yes or no on whether Scotland should become an independent country, Sturgeon argued that a Yes vote would present an opportunity for all of Scotland\'s communities to work together to build a fairer and more prosperous country. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
Yes And No Campaigns Take To The Streets Of Edinburgh And Glasgow(52 of56)
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: (EDITORS NOTE: This image is a re-crop of image #455028102) First Minister Alex Salmond, meets with Scots and other European citizens to celebrate European citizenship and Scotland\'s continued EU membership with a possible Yes vote on September 9, 2014 in Edinburgh, Scotland. With just eight days of campaigning left before voters will go to the polls to vote yes or no on whether Scotland should become an independent country, Sturgeon argued that a Yes vote would present an opportunity for all of Scotland\'s communities to work together to build a fairer and more prosperous country. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) (credit:Jeff J Mitchell via Getty Images)
Yes And No Campaigns Take To The Streets Of Edinburgh And Glasgow(53 of56)
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 9: Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon (MSP), and anti-poverty campaigner and lifelong Labour Party member Bob Holman on the Yes Campaign trail pose with \'Yes\' campaigners in Easterhouse on September 9, 2014 in Glasgow, Scotland. With just eight days of campaigning left before voters will go to the polls to vote Yes or No on whether Scotland should become an independent country, Alex Salmond has suggested that the No campaign is falling apart. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) (credit:Mark Runnacles via Getty Images)
Scottish independence referendum(54 of56)
Labour leader Ed Miliband campaigns in the Scottish independence referendum near the Blantyre miners community resource centre in Scotland. (credit:Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
Scottish independence referendum(55 of56)
SNP leader Alex Salmond during a visit to Brownings Bakers bakery in Kilmarnock, Scotland where he was presented with Aye branded cakes, as the Scottish independence referendum campaign continues. (credit:Danny Lawson/PA Wire)
Scottish independence referendum(56 of56)
A Better Together supporters is pictured in Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh, Scotland, as the Scottish independence referendum campaign continues. (credit:Danny Lawson/PA Wire)