EDINBURGH, September 19. /ITAR-TASS/. The defeat of the supporters of Scotland’s independence from the UK has been officially confirmed, head of the vote counting office Mary Pitcaithly said on Friday.

Earlier, Scottish First Minister and nationalist leader Alex Salmond conceded the defeat. He said more than 1.6 million Scots voted for independence, but this was not enough. Salmond said he accepts the verdict of the people.

No exit polls were conducted for reasons of costs and inaccuracy.

Broader powers to Scotland

British Prime Minister David Cameron pledged to grant broader powers to Scotland, Wales, England and Northern Ireland. He also noted that his government would fulfil its commitments to transfer new powers to Scottish parliament in taxes, budget expenditures and social security.

Proposals to transfer powers will be prepared in November, the specific bill will be submitted to parliament in January 2015.

Alex Salmond expressed hope that official London would fulfil its promises to offer Scots more devolved powers if they remained part of the United Kingdom.