Britain has set out the conditions under which Scotland can decide whether to sever its centuries-old constitutional ties with Britain.

The British government offered with certain conditions Tuesday to remove legal hurdles so Scots can hold a referendum on independence from Britain.

First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond wants to delay the vote until late 2014 so the independence movement in Scotland can gain momentum.

But British Prime Minister David Cameron is urging Scotland to hold the referendum as soon as possible to avoid economic problems that might arise due to a long debate. Mr. Cameron opposes any breakup of the United Kingdom, which also includes Wales and Northern Ireland.

The parliaments of England and Scotland voted more than 300 years ago to unite in a single kingdom called Great Britain.

A 2014 vote would coincide with the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn, a Scottish victory over the British. Salmond said the date is purely coincidental.