THE RESULTS of the Scottish referendum have been welcomed by Ryedale's MP.

Anne McIntosh said it as "a stunning result".

"With 55 per cent of the Scottish people voting to stay in the United Kingdom and 45 per cent for independence, the decision is clear and decisive," she added.

"With all the hype of the campaign, it almost looked in one opinion poll like a Yes Vote and that Scotland would split. But the massive turn out of 85 per cent and in the cool, calm of the polling booth, the decision to remain with the UK prevailed.

Miss McIntosh said: “The debate now moves on to how to deliver on the promise of devo-max, devolving more powers to the Scottish Parliament and more autonomy to the Scottish people.

"The West Lothian question of how to secure English votes for English laws also has to be addressed so that Scottish MPs cannot vote in future on laws which only affect England.

She added: "What we have to watch is that the voice of rural communities is not lost in the devo-max settlement with more powers passing possibly to City Regions.

"What the referendum showed is that the Scots may be reserved but passionate they most certainly are. We in England can learn a lot from the referendum campaign."

1.6 million people voted in favour and over two million voted against Scotland becoming an independent country in Thursday's referendum.

The new Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Ryedale also welcomed the decision.

Kevin Hollinrake, said: ""I am delighted that Scotland has decided to remain part of the United Kingdom, any other decision would have been disastrous for the economies on either side of the border and would have had a profound effect on our international reputation.

"However, as always, the hard work starts now. There are many issues to resolve, how to implement the promised increased powers of devolution for Scotland and how to ensure fair treatment for the rest of the UK.

Mr Hollinrake added: "Particularly, we must tackle the issue of Scottish MPs voting on matters that only affect England, Wales or Northern Ireland. In the interests of fairness and if we are to avoid a public backlash, this situation must change."