LONDON - No sooner had Scotland decided to stay in the United Kingdom early Friday, Britain's prime minister vowed to press ahead with a dramatic political shake-up of the entire country. David Cameron – whose job appeared to be on the line in the event of a vote for Scottish independence - promised draft laws as soon as January giving Scotland's regional parliament more say over tax, spending and welfare. He also promised to grant a "new and fair settlement" for the other three nations in the U.K — England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Like Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own regional parliaments, and these are expected to get more autonomy under the reforms. However, England's lack of a similar legislative body has led to a messy situation where Scottish lawmakers can vote on issues that only affect England at the U.K.-wide Westminster parliament. Cameron's Conservative lawmakers have demanded a solution to this issue and the prime minister promised a "decisive answer" on Friday.
"Now we must look forward and turn this into the moment when everyone, whichever way they voted, comes together to build that better, brighter future for our entire United Kingdom," Cameron said outside 10 Downing Street. "Just as Scotland will vote separately…on their issues of tax, spending and welfare, so too England, as well as Wales and Northern Ireland, should be able to vote on these issues."
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