Scotland Votes Against British Independence

After a contentious, weeks-long campaign, Scotland voted on Thursday against independence from Great Britain.

A 55 percent to 45 percent vote determined that Scotland will remain a part of the United Kingdom, along with Great Britain, Northern Ireland and Wales.

Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron addressed the vote on Friday, saying outside of his office on 10 Downing Street: "Like millions of other people, I am delighted."

Cameron went on to say that the surge of support for an independence vote has opened his eyes, and he vows to answer the demands of Scots in the coming months.

"We hear you," Cameron said, adding that now is an opportunity to "change [the United Kingdom] for the better."

The prime minister added that issues such as tax, spending and welfare will be discussed and agreed upon by November, with legislation coming by January. "We will ensure that those commitments are honored in full," the prime minister said.

The past several weeks have involved strenuous campaigns, both by those supporting independence and by those opposing it.

Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond also issued a statement regarding the vote, saying "we know that there's going to be a majority for the no campaign. And it is important to say that our referendum was an agreed and consented process and Scotland has, by a majority, decided not at this stage to become an independent country. And I accept that verdict of the people. And I call on all of Scotland to follow suit in accepting the democratic verdict of the people of Scotland."