UK retains Scotland; Catalonia testing Spain

Scotland voted “No” to independence from the United Kingdom on Sept. 18. With a turnout of more than 84% of eligible voters, the vote totals were 2,001,926 NOT in favor of independence and 1,617,958 for independence. That’s 55% against splitting off and 45% in favor of it. 

Prime Minister David Cameron has promised more autonomy to the Scottish Parliament, including powers over taxes, spending and welfare.

Inspired by the Scottish referendum, Spain’s regional parliament in Catalonia voted in favor of holding their own referendum for independence on Sept. 19, with a vote set for Nov. 9. The Spanish Constitutional Court has suspended the referendum while it weighs on whether or not the vote is unconstitutional.

Catalonia, Galicia and the Basque Country are each considered an autonomous community and nationality under Spanish law and have more powers than other communities in Spain.