TENSIONS HAVE BEEN running high in parts of Glasgow this evening after Scots voted to remain part of the United Kingdom.
In the Reuters video above, police can be seen breaking up some fights.
Meanwhile, a Channel 4 News video shows that large crowds were still present this evening at George Square, with police keeping Yes and No voters apart.
The Guardian reported that a group of skinheads was seen in the square at one point.
It said that the subway station at the top of shopping street Buchanan Street was temporarily closed.
Police Scotland commented on Twitter:
Earlier today, Scottish leader Alex Salmond said he would resign after losing an independence referendum that left the United Kingdom intact.
Meanwhile, Queen Elizabeth II called for “mutual respect” among Scots following a divisive campaign.
The anti-independence No camp secured a clear margin of 55.30 percent of the vote against 44.70 percent for the separatist Yes side.
British Prime Minister David Cameron said he was “delighted” about the result, adding:
Now the debate has been settled for a generation.
US President Barack Obama said he hoped to continue his country’s “strong and special relationship with all the people of Great Britain and Northern Ireland”.
Salmond urged Yes voters to take heart from the 1.6 million who backed independence.
The queen appealed for Scots on both sides to set aside their differences, saying:
Despite the range of views that have been expressed, we have in common an enduring love of Scotland.I have no doubt that the Scots, like others throughout the United Kingdom, are able to express strongly-held opinions before coming together again in a spirit of mutual respect.
Tensions
Despite her pleas, tensions simmered in central Glasgow as horse-mounted police were forced to separate pro-union protesters from independence supporters in George’s Square.
Roads around the square were closed as police dispersed the crowd, although smaller groups amassed in other areas of the city centre, chanting and letting off flares.
Britain maintains credit rating
In response to today’s result, ratings agency Moody’s confirmed Britain’s credit rating at “Aa1″.
Moody’s decision to affirm the UK’s rating follows the outcome of the referendum on Scottish independence, which maintains the 307-year-old union, thereby preserving the country’s current institutional and fiscal framework.
- Additional reporting - © AFP, 2014
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