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

The British government said Tuesday it will remove legal hurdles so Scots can hold a referendum on gaining independence from Britain for the first time since the early 18th century.

First Minister of Scotland Alex Salmond wants to delay the vote for several years 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. Cameron opposes any breakup of the United Kingdom.

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