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Scottish independence: Rivals respond to Queen's speech | |
(34 minutes later) | |
The Queen has re-affirmed the UK government's commitment to keeping Scotland in the Union, as she opened parliament at Westminster. | |
Her Majesty said UK ministers would continue to "make the case for Scotland to remain part of the United Kingdom". | |
The Queen's speech outlined the coalition's final legislative plans ahead of the next UK election. | |
It also came ahead of the 18 September independence referendum. | |
The Queen's speech came as rival politicians set out their visions for Scotland's future. | |
Scotland's Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said only a referendum "Yes" vote would give Scotland "the government it deserves". | |
But shadow Scottish Secretary Margaret Curran urged people to vote "No" and elect Labour to lead the UK at the next general election. | |
During her speech at parliament, the Queen said: "My government will continue to implement new powers for the Scottish Parliament and make the case for Scotland to remain a part of the United Kingdom." | |
Ms Sturgeon, said: "By voting 'Yes' in September, we can build the country we want - developing a strong economy and society, and banning nuclear weapons. | |
"For too long our hands have been tied by damaging decisions made at Westminster, by governments we didn't elect. | "For too long our hands have been tied by damaging decisions made at Westminster, by governments we didn't elect. |
"The policies the SNP want to implement in the first parliament of an independent Scotland will deliver the transformational changes the people of Scotland need and deserve." | "The policies the SNP want to implement in the first parliament of an independent Scotland will deliver the transformational changes the people of Scotland need and deserve." |
Ms Curran urged voters to take a different course, adding: "In September, people across Scotland can say no thanks to separation and then, less than a year from now, elect a Labour government. | |
"In our first Queen's Speech we'll freeze energy prices to help hard-working families. | "In our first Queen's Speech we'll freeze energy prices to help hard-working families. |
"We will tax bankers' bonuses to get thousands of young people across Scotland back to work, bring back the 50p tax on people earning over £150,000 and pass more powers over tax, welfare and jobs to the Scottish Parliament." | |