Cameron: 'Yes' vote to Scotland would be irreversible decision

With just a few days until the Scottish referendum, the British premier has tried to dissuade voters from leaving the UK. The decision wouldn't be a "trial separation," but a "painful divorce," he says.

"There is no going back from this, no re-run. This is a once-and-for-all decision," British Prime Minister David Cameron told an audience in Aberdeen on Monday.

In just three days, Scotland's 4.29 million registered voters will decide whether or not to declare independence from Great Britain, thus ending a more than 300-year-old union.

"Head, heart and soul, we want you to stay," Cameron said, standing before a projection of the United Kingdom flag and the slogan "Let's Stick Together."

Recent opinion polls indicate that the move toward separation has divided Scotland almost down the middle, with surveys varying by a few percentage points for each campaign.

According to an Opinium survey conducted for the British Sunday newspaper the Observer, the "no" campaign is leading with 47.7 percent, compared with 42.3 percent support for the "yes" campaign. It also put the undecided vote at 10 percent.

However, an ICM opinion poll indicated just the opposite, reflecting 49 percent wanted to see an independent Scotland and only 42 percent wanted to remain part of the UK. That survey was conducted for the Sunday Telegraph.

No 'trial separation'

Cameron has faced criticism for waiting until the last minute to show support for continued unity with England's northern neighbor. Acknowledging his lack of popularity, the premier reminded voters on Monday that leaving the UK would be permanent, whereas his premiership would not be.

"Don't think: 'I'm frustrated with politics right now, so I'll walk out the door.' If you don't like me, I won't be here forever. If you don't like this government, it won't last forever. But if you leave the UK that will be forever," he said.

Independence would not be a "trial separation," but a "painful divorce."

The British premier's visit to Scotland was his second in less than a week. Last week, Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond and the leader of the Scottish National Party, called Cameron's sudden appearance after months of debate a "sign of the total disintegration of the No campaign."

Opponents of Scottish secession warn that abandoning British partnership will prove detrimental to businesses and pensions, and also hurt Scotland's standing on the international stage.

kms/sb (AP, AFP, Reuters)  dw de