LISTEN: Referendum Leaders One Year On
There are no shortcuts to Scottish independence and it will not happen just because supporters become "more impatient for change'', Scotland's First Minister has said.
Nicola Sturgeon said ruling out another referendum indefinitely would be wrong but she indicated that winning a second vote would not happen imminently because the concerns of those who voted No must be addressed patiently, carefully and comprehensively''.
She said she respected the result of last year's historic ballot, which saw Scotland vote to remain part of the UK.
Exactly a year after that poll, she told David Cameron he is living on borrowed time'' as she spoke about the prospect of a second referendum.
While the Prime Minister said it was time to move on'' from last year's ballot, promising action to ensure the Scottish Parliament is a permanent part of the UK's political landscape, Ms Sturgeon told an audience in Edinburgh:We respect last year's result.
It would be wrong to propose another referendum without a fundamental change of circumstances or a strong indication that a significant number of those who voted No last year had changed their minds.
If we are to win independence, we must convince a majority of Scots that it represents the best future for Scotland.
That was true last year, it is true now and it will be true at all times in the future. There are no shortcuts.
Independence won't happen just because its supporters become more impatient for change. An even more committed, enthusiastic and impatient 45% is still just 45%.
If Scotland is to become independent, we must build the support for independence.
Just as in the referendum campaign, it grew from 30% to 45%, we must in the years ahead take it from 45% to a clear majority.
That means we must persuade the people we failed to persuade last year.
That means understanding why they voted No. And it means addressing those concerns, patiently, carefully and comprehensively.''
Listen to our interview with Nicola Sturgeon:
But former Labour chancellor Alistair Darling, the leader of the 'No' campaign, said there is no appetite'' for another referendum.
He said There is no appetite I think on the part of the Scottish public for another referendum any time soon and indeed Nicola Sturgeon, now the First Minister, is in no hurry either because she will not call a referendum until she thinks she can win it.
Having said that, there are risks ahead. Part of the problem is the nationalists are clearly in a very strong position, although I think a lot of people voting for the SNP in the general election a few months ago weren't necessarily voting for independence - they were voting for something different.''
Listen to our interview with Alistair Darling: