Alan Cumming backs Scotland independence at rally

GLASGOW, Scotland, Sept. 8 (UPI) -- Scottish actor Alan Cumming returned to his native country this week to lend his support to the push for independence, to be decided in a referendum September 18.

The Good Wife star appeared along side Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at a rally in Glasgow to call on Scots to "grab this wonderful opportunity with both hands."

"It's an historic moment for us all, we now have a chance in this country to have our own destiny in our own hands," Cumming said, expressing optimism that polls showed voters supported independence.

The actor continued: "I feel so good. I've always felt the longer the campaign goes on, the more likely it's going to be a nationalist victory,

"That's why I'm here to help in the last push and to encourage people who might be lifelong Labour voters like myself, who are being told by their party to vote no, that actually don't listen to what Westminster is saying to you, follow your heart," he told the gathered supporters.

"I've always voted Labour in the elections I have voted in in this country, that's because I believe in a good health service, a great education, and that should all be free," he continued. "Those things are under huge threat, as we all know."

Cumming, who was born in Aberfeldy, Perthshire, became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2008 while retaining his British citizenship.

He expressed fears the British government would punish Scotland if they failed to choose independence.

"I believe if we don't vote Yes we're going to see a huge change in the amount of money Scotland's going to be given by the Westminster government," he said. "I really don't believe they're going to say 'vote No and we'll reward you' because all they have done is threaten and bully us up till now."

Scottish Labour deputy leader Anas Sarwar said it was that uncertainty that made independence a bad choice.

"Alan Cumming has today confirmed what we have known for some time - that there are 'lots of unknowns' and 'financial concerns' associated with Alex Salmond's plan for separation," Sarwar said.

"Alex Salmond cannot tell Scots what currency they would use, how their pensions will be funded or how public services will cope with the £6 billion shortfall in tax revenue -- and now his own celebrity endorser has flown in from Hollywood and admitted it."

The British pound dropped to a 10-month low Monday on news of a new YouGov poll that showed the Yes campaign with a lead with just 10 days to go before the vote.