The prime minister wants to see oil and gas exploited to its full potential, injecting £200billion into the economy over the next two decades.
David Cameron told Conservative delegates there were “huge prizes” to be won – as long as Scotland remains part of the UK.
The theme of his keynote speech at the party conference in Edinburgh was that Scotland and the rest of the UK have mutually benefited through 300 years of being together – and all that is threatened if voters back the SNP dream of separation in September.
The prime minister also attacked claims that a No vote in the independence referendum would mean no change, as he promised more tax raising powers for Holyrood in the event of Scotland remaining part of the UK.
Mr Cameron said the long-term plan to get the country back on its feet was working – Scotland had seen six successive quarters of growth, employment was up 100,000 since the election, and 2.2million taxpayers north of the border had enjoyed tax cuts.
“Together there are huge prizes to be taken in the future,” he said.
“In oil and gas – if we maximise this asset our economy could be boosted by £200billion over the next 20 years.
“Yes, that’s about the bravery of those who work in deep-sea exploration and the experts in Aberdeen, but it is also about encouraging investment with the proven, long-term stability of the UK economy – the broad shoulders that make it all possible.”
He said the renewables industry was also better together, with the wind and waves off Scotland’s coast backed up by a UK domestic market of more than 60million people.
Mr Cameron said the SNP’s claim that a No vote in the September independence referendum meant no change was a “myth”.
“Let me be absolutely clear, a vote for No is not a vote for no change,” he said.
“We are committed to making devolution work better still. Not because we want to give Alex Salmond a consolation prize if Scotland votes No, but because it’s the right thing to do. Giving the Scottish Parliament greater responsibility for raising more of the money it spends.”
To loud cheers he added: “Vote Yes – that is total separation. Vote No – that will mean further devolution, more power to the Scottish people and their parliament, but with the crucial insurance policy that comes with being part of the UK.”
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “David Cameron has today torn up any prospect of a meaningful offer of further powers to Scotland, confirming that a No vote offers no firm proposals.
“In a speech that contained half-hearted, vague suggestions of what might happen, Cameron’s reluctance to commit to anything spoke volumes.”
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