New polling indicating a surge in support for Scotland independence have ignited fears of a constitutional crisis at Westminster.  The British government unveiled a plan to offer greater political and fiscal autonomy for the Scots if they vote to remain within the United Kingdom.

British Chancellor George Osborne says the plans will be unveiled in the next few days with a clear timetable for implementation – just as long as a majority of Scottish voters say “no” to independence in the 18 September poll. 

“More tax-raising powers, much greater fiscal autonomy,” Osborne said.  “More control over public expenditure, more control over welfare rates and a host of other changes.”

The position is known as “devo max”, for maximum devolution.  It’s reminiscent of a last-minute package offered by Canada to Francophone Quebec in 1995 that held off a vote for separation.

Scottish Nation Party leader Alex Salmond dismissed the plan as “a panic measure”, and he might have something there.  The latest YouGov poll taken of Scots shows the “yes” side taking a slim lead after months of trailing behind Unionist sentiment.