Scottish independence vote sparks larger debate on Britain’s future
Regardless of independence poll's result, London's dominance of the country has been curtailed, and a looser union is likely to emerge
Whether Scotland votes for independence or not, the referendum has fired up debate in the rest of Britain over London's dominance and the historic ties that hold the country together.
From Northern Ireland to Wales and even within England in regions like Cornwall and Yorkshire, the run-up to the September 18 vote has stoked long-running opposition to control by the capital.
"Even if there is a 'No' vote, we are looking at some important constitutional changes in the United Kingdom," said Graham Walker, professor of politics at Queen's University Belfast.
"I think we'd be looking at a looser union, perhaps a kind of federal union," he said.
All three of Britain's main parties have promised new tax powers for Scotland's parliament if the referendum is rejected, as indicated by all the opinion polls so far.
Other parts of the union could say "us too".