SCOTLAND'S decision to reject independence has been welcomed by Keighley MP Kris Hopkins.

Fifty-five per cent of those who voted opted for the country to remain part of the UK.

Mr Hopkins said it was “a good day for democracy and a good day for our family of nations".

He added: "I am a committed unionist and I warmly welcome this strong victory for the 'No' campaign.

"Scotland is a component part of our United Kingdom and it would have been a tragedy if its people had chosen to leave.

"The Scottish National Party came to power three years ago on a promise to deliver a referendum, and it would have been wrong for the UK government to deny the Scottish people that opportunity.

"Looking ahead, the three main pro-union parties – the Conservatives, Labour and Liberal Democrats – have made commitments to devolve further powers to the Scottish parliament, and I look forward to these promises being kept.

"But the Prime Minister has made it clear that the people of England, Wales and Northern Ireland will also be given a bigger say over their affairs and these changes – effectively a new constitutional settlement for each of our four home nations – will happen at the same time, with proposals being brought forward later this year and draft legislation published in January.

“Our United Kingdom is about to move on to one of the most exciting periods of its long history, and I am delighted that Scotland will part of it.”