British and Scottish leaders have signed a deal on a referendum that could lead to Scotland's independence.

British Prime Minister David Cameron and Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond signed an agreement Monday in Edinburgh that finalizes details for a vote in late 2014 on whether Scotland should become an independent country or stay within the United Kingdom.

Mr. Cameron's meeting with Mr. Salmond in the Scottish capital follows months of negotiations. The British prime minister opposes a breakaway, but agrees it is up to the Scottish people to decide their future in a vote.

A survey released earlier this month suggests only about 28 percent of Scots support independence.

England and Scotland were joined by acts passed in 1707.

British rule currently covers England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.