Scotland agrees terms of historic independence vote

Scotland set up a historic independence referendum after its leader signed an agreement yesterday with Britain’s prime minister finalising arrangements for a vote which could lead to the demise of its union with England.

Scotland’s drive for sovereignty, led by its nationalist leader Alex Salmond, echoes separatist moves by other European regions such as Catalonia and Flanders at a time when a crisis-hit EU is undergoing deep identity changes.

Signed in the Scottish capital Edinburgh, the deal will allow Scotland to decide in a 2014 referendum whether it should become an independent country or stay within the UK.