LONDON (AFP) - Former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton on Thursday called upon Scotland to stay in the United Kingdom, echoing the comments made last week by her former boss Barack Obama.

Speaking on BBC's Newsnight programme, Mrs Clinton said: "I would hate to have you lose Scotland" in the September referendum. "I hope that it doesn't happen but I don't have a vote in Scotland," she added.

"I would think it would be a loss for both sides but, again, I don't have a vote."

US President Obama last week suggested that Scotland would be better off remaining part of Britain, ahead of the September 18 vote.

"From the outside at least it looks like things have worked pretty well," Mr Obama said.

Mrs Clinton, subject of fevered speculation about a possible run at the presidency, also said it would be for the best if Britain stayed in the European Union, with a referendum promised if the Conservative Party wins next year's general election.

"Europe needs Britain, in my opinion," she said. "I think Britain brings a perspective and an experience that is very important to Europe, especially post-economic crisis."