Scotland has spoken. The United Kingdom remains intact. The vast majority of people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland will be both relieved and grateful that the Scots have given a vote of confidence in the UK. The United Kingdom of England, Wales and Northern Ireland would have been a strange and weaker place. But the referendum could not have been avoided after the SNP defied all expectations and won a majority in the Scottish Parliament on a platform of a referendum and a campaign for independence. David Cameron could not possibly have said to Scotland – you voted for a referendum, but I am not going to let you have one. The campaign for separation has failed, but promises have been made that must be kept.