US wants ‘strong, robust, united’ Britain as Scots vote on independence

The United States has an interest in seeing the United Kingdom remain “united” ahead of Thursday’s referendum on Scottish independence, the White House said Monday.

“We certainly respect the right of individual Scots to make a decision about, along these lines,” White House press secretary Josh Earnest said. “But, you know, as the president himself said we have an interest in seeing the United Kingdom remain strong, robust, united and an effective partner.”

{mosads}The White House spokesman wouldn’t bite when pressed repeatedly on whether those remarks meant the U.S. flatly opposed independence.

Earnest said he did not want to give an answer that “might be interpreted by some as unnecessarily, or maybe even improperly, interfering with a decision that should rightly be made by the voters of Scotland.”

Top British officials including Prime Minister David Cameron have been lobbying for Scots to reject independence in the vote, which polls indicate could come down to the wire.

Cameron on Monday warned that the decision would be “forever” and begged voters not “to tear our countries apart.”

“Please, please, don’t let anyone tell you you can’t be a proud Scot and a proud Briton,” Cameron said.

Queen Elizabeth II also weighed in on the vote for the first time, telling Scots to “think very carefully about the future.”

A vote for independence would have sweeping effects on Britain’s economy and defense posture, with many outstanding questions about how the U.K. would manage its debts and military assets after secession. 

Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond has vowed that Scotland will maintain strong ties with the U.S. if the country decides to leave the United Kingdom.

“We will be close friends with the US and Scotland and the US will always be firm allies,” Salmond told the Daily Record.