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Anniversary of north south Union Anniversary of north south Union
(about 1 hour later)
The 300th anniversary of Scotland's Union with England has been marked by renewed debate over the constitutional future.The 300th anniversary of Scotland's Union with England has been marked by renewed debate over the constitutional future.
A poll for BBC Newsnight suggests that a majority in Scotland want the Union to continue, although others have suggested backing for independence.A poll for BBC Newsnight suggests that a majority in Scotland want the Union to continue, although others have suggested backing for independence.
A number of events are planned across the UK to mark the day in 1707 when the Union agreement was signed. The Scottish National Party (SNP) has renewed its calls for a referendum on the future of the Union.
Further events will take place throughout the year. But Labour said separation was a "tired, old-fashioned idea".
The poll for the BBC's Newsnight programme indicated that 56% of people in Scotland would like the Union to continue as it is, with 32% wanting it to end.The poll for the BBC's Newsnight programme indicated that 56% of people in Scotland would like the Union to continue as it is, with 32% wanting it to end.
However, some other recent polls which were worded differently suggested that voters might favour Scotland becoming independent in a referendum.However, some other recent polls which were worded differently suggested that voters might favour Scotland becoming independent in a referendum.
READ THE FINDINGS Newsnight Act of Union poll [128KB] Most computers will open this document automatically, but you may need Adobe Reader Download the reader hereREAD THE FINDINGS Newsnight Act of Union poll [128KB] Most computers will open this document automatically, but you may need Adobe Reader Download the reader here
The poll, which questioned 883 adults in England, 543 in Scotland and 527 in Wales, also indicated support on both sides of the Border for an English Parliament. The Newsnight poll, which questioned 883 adults in England, 543 in Scotland and 527 in Wales, also indicated support on both sides of the Border for an English Parliament.
Scottish Parliament Presiding Officer George Reid will attend a reception at Dover House, home of the Scotland Office in London, hosted by Chancellor Gordon Brown and Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander on Tuesday. Another opinion poll published in The Scotsman newspaper suggested 36% of Scots believe that the Union has had a positive effect, while 27% think it has had a negative effect.
The SNP is launching a new campaign which will highlight May's elections to the Scottish Parliament.
It's poster declares: "1707: No right to choose - 2007: The right to choose."
SNP leader Alex Salmond said: "Those in the London parties who would deny the people their right to choose are the political reincarnation of the 'parcel of rogues' of 1707 who sold Scotland away.
Union polls raise questions
"Over 80% of Scots believe that a referendum - putting the people in charge of the process - is the right way to decide Scotland's future."
A Scottish Labour Party spokesman said: "The Union has increased prosperity, stability and social justice in Scotland and indeed, throughout the UK.
"Separation is a tired, old-fashioned idea and the Labour Party will fight for every vote in the Scottish elections to defeat the separatists in the SNP who seek to impoverish Scotland with their obsession with constitutions."
Scottish Parliament Presiding Officer George Reid was attending a reception on Tuesday at Dover House, home of the Scotland Office in London, hosted by Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander and Jack Straw, leader of the House of Commons.
HAVE YOUR SAY I have no objections to England having its own parliament Col Carswell, Edinburgh Send us your comments
It will see the launch of a commemorative £2 coin.It will see the launch of a commemorative £2 coin.
Other events planned for the Union's anniversary year include an exhibition at the parliament building in Holyrood which will feature key documents leading to the unification of Scotland and England. Mr Alexander said: "The United Kingdom has brought prosperity to the nations which formed it.
href="/1/hi/scotland/6264483.stm" class="">Union polls raise questions "Making the Act of Union 1707" will bring together the Scottish and English copies of the treaty for the first time since they were signed. "Our nations have grown closer over the last 300 years with ties which are deepening still.
Workshops will be held at Edinburgh Castle and the parliament from September to November. "Now half of Scots have family living south of the border and almost one in ten of the people living in Scotland were born in England."
They will be linked to a tour of the Royal Mile.
In June, the parliament will host a sixth-year conference for Edinburgh schools which will include debates on the history and future of the Union.
In August, the parliament's Festival of Politics is scheduled to stage a number of events exploring the history of the United Kingdom.
HAVE YOUR SAY I have no objections to England having its own parliment Col Carswell, Edinburgh Send us your comments The following month a conference of leading academics entitled Parliaments and Political Union will take place.
In October, the Scottish Parliament Project is to launch a website hosting digitised acts of the first Scottish Parliament.