LONDON (AFP) - British Prime Minister David Cameron called for unity on Friday after Scotland rejected independence in a historic referendum, saying that the argument had been settled "for a generation".

He also promised to grant new powers to all parts of the United Kingdom.

"Now is the time for our United Kingdom to come together and to move forward," Mr Cameron said in a speech in front of his office at 10 Downing Street.

He said the Scottish National Party (SNP) would join talks on transfering further powers to Scotland.

"I've just spoken to (SNP leader) Alex Salmond, congratulating him on a hard-fought campaign. I'm delighted the SNP will join talks on further devolution," Mr Cameron said.