SCOTLAND VOTES NO TO INDEPENDENCE AND ALEX SALMOND RESIGNS HOURS LATER

Alex Salmond has announced he will resign just hours after admitting defeat in his battle for Scottish independence, as almost 2million people voted to remain in the United Kingdom. On the worst day of his political life, the First Minister (pictured bottom left speaking in Edinburgh this morning) tried to put a brave face on the electorate's crushing verdict, claiming that it showed only that a majority had decided 'at this stage' not to become an independent country. But with all but one council area declared, No had secured 55 per cent of the vote, a 10-point lead which will trigger speculation about whether Mr Salmond can survive as leader of the Scottish Nationalists. 

David Cameron (pictured bottom right in Downing Street this morning) celebrated the result and in a dramatic move announced plans to use the offer of more powers to Scotland to introduce 'English votes for English laws', strengthening the Tory party's grip on Westminster. Turnout was 84.51% and topped 90 per cent in pro-Union areas, but in the key working-class areas where Yes needed big wins, turnout dropped to the mid-70s. Pictured top, dejected Yes supporters trudge home in Edinburgh while (bottom right) a No supporter sheds tears of relief.