Don't leave us - 200 UK stars' plea to Scots

Judi Dench.

Sir Mick Jagger, Dame Judi Dench and Stephen Hawking have joined dozens of celebrities, artists and public figures urging the people of Scotland to vote against independence.

"Let's stay together" is the message in an open letter from more than 200 public figures from sport, cinema, television and literature to the people of Scotland before next month's referendum.

Other signatories include actress Helena Bonham Carter, Olympic diver Tom Daley and singers Dame Vera Lynn and Sir Cliff Richard.

The letter says: "We want to let you know how very much we value our bonds of citizenship with you, and to express our hope that you will vote to renew them. What unites us is much greater than what divides us. Let's stay together."

The awards amassed by the signatories include 18 Olympic gold medals, 44 Bafta awards, one Nobel Prize and two Turner art prizes.

Rower Sir Steve Redgrave, singer Sting and Star Trek actor Sir Patrick Stewart have also lent their names to the campaign.

Organisers of the letter hope it will be seen in Scotland as an appeal by the rest of the United Kingdom not to leave the union.

Television historian Dan Snow co-organised the letter with historian Tom Holland. They will travel England and Wales encouraging members of the public to sign it before bringing it to Scotland.

Snow said: "I feel passionately about Britain and everything we've achieved together throughout our long shared history.

"I don't have a vote in the Scottish referendum but I certainly have a view and I really hope that our shared country stays together.

"This letter is for people who don't have a vote in the referendum. They are from Northern Ireland, Wales, England, they live in the UK and they want to simply say: we are not telling you how to vote but when you do vote we hope you don't go.

"I think some things are too important to be left to politicians ... I like to get involved in issues that are about citizens and about the shape of our country.

"This is the biggest potential change to our country for generations and it will affect generations to come. I'm a huge supporter of people's right to decide the conditions and government in which they live, but we have a right to say 'we hope you stay'."

Writer and broadcaster Ben Fogle, who helped launch the letter, said: "We do have an opinion and are allowed to voice it. I've been shot down in the past for doing so.

"This is the most important thing that will happen in our lifetime in terms of our identity within the Union. I'm not allowed a vote but I'm allowed an opinion."