British Prime Minister David Cameron took to Scotland to campaign against independence in the latest show of how badly a poll last week shook up Westminster.
Cameron was joined by Deputy Nick Clegg and opposition leader Ed Miliband, all of whom canceled their schedules to travel north of the border in the wake of a poll that showed the pro-independence campaign in the lead. (Video via ITV)
The prime minister has in the last few days been making what many outlets have described as a plea for Scotland to stay. He told reporters Wednesday he would be "heartbroken" should Scotland leave, according to the BBC.
And while that last appeal — and his statement that there's no going back if Scotland leaves — sounds more like that of a jilted lover, Cameron has also been arguing politically.
The prime minister has asked Scots not to view the referendum as a way to get back at the conservatives — or Tories — in power:
CAMERON VIA BBC: "If you're fed up with the effing Tories, give them a kick, and then maybe we'll think — this is totally different. ... It's a decision about the next century."
Cameron has spent a lot of time in recent months working on the UK's response to ISIS and hasn't campaigned very actively against the independence movement, outside one prominent speech in July. (Video via CNN)
CAMERON VIA CHANNEL 4: "It would break my heart to see our United Kingdom break apart. ... We've had, if you like, the noisy nationalists. It is now time to hear from the silent majority."
According to a reporter from BuzzFeed, when asked why it's taken so long for UK politicians to respond to the referendum campaign, Cameron said, "I don't think that's fair."
For its part, the pro-independence campaign says Cameron is doing it a favor by visiting.
ALEX SALMOND VIA CBS: "If I thought they were coming by bus, I would send the bus fare. This is a fantastic boost for the Yes campaign."
That's because Cameron, as head of the Conservative Party, is largely unpopular in Scotland, which is generally seen as more left-leaning.
As for what the Scot on the street makes of the prime minister's visit?
SKY NEWS REPORTER: "I just wondered if I might ask you, what difference do you think it might make that the prime minister is here today, for those who haven't yet voted?"
"Not a lot. ... Not a lot, sorry David!"
And Cameron himself could have a lot to be sorry about should Scotland leave, as The Telegraph reports he could face a vote of no confidence and lose the office of prime ministerBif it does.
Scotland votes on whether to stay in the United Kingdom next Thursday.
This video includes images from Getty Images.
