Should there be Independence?

Question

Hello,

Should the UK

Break up into independant nations?

If so why do you think and so and will it happen?

Thank-you!!

Answer 1

This is an interesting question. But the answer to it, if given seriously, is not quite an easy and straight-forward one.

There are only two real nations within the modern day UK, and they are England and Scotland. Wales, once an independent principality of Celtic origin, was taken over by England a long time ago and is politically integrated, even though in recent years the Whitehall government has made certain consessions with regards to devolution. Nevertheless, all law passed by the House of Commons is usually "for England and Wales".
And Northern Ireland is not a separate nation either. It is a relict of long-gone times when Ireland was completely under British rule. But now there remain only six Irish counties in the UK, known collectively as Northern Ireland. They are not a nation, and not even a country. They are just six counties under colonial rule, with a population of Irishmen of various heritage and political allegiance.
Which leaves us with England and Scotland, which were separate independent states for most of their history. The Union of both exists only since 1707 and is, despite all efforts from the various governments over three centuries, still quite fragile. The fact that English people refer to Scotland still as being "north of the border" speaks volumes. And there is little love in Scotland for the English, who oppressed and exploited the Highlands for centuries (and still do it in certain ways).

Scotland has already her own parliament again, and it will be only a question of time (and political mistakes made in London) how long it will take for Scotland to elect a majority of nationalists to this parliament. A simple referendum could then decide on the question of Scotland's independence.
Should this happen, England would want to hold on to Wales and Northern Ireland with even more zest than they show now. But it would not be easy. The six counties of Northern Ireland will sooner or later join the Republic of Ireland anyway, and if only on economical and cultural grounds. British presence in Northern Ireland costs the UK taxpayer at present more than £ 16 billion per year (and rising) with nothing but troubles to show for in exchange. Sooner or later a British Prime Minister will find better things to do with that money and let the booming economy of the Irish Republic pay for those six counties no one really likes.

The future of Wales is the least certain of all. In case of Scotland going it alone, there would be a certain momentum in Wales to follow suit. However, it is questionable if there would be a large enough majority for an independent Wales, especially since it could not survive economically on its own. Options for Wales could be a continued union with England, but with better terms, a Celtic Confedaration together with Scotland and Ireland, a much less attractive federation with Scotland, or a tax haven like the Isle of Man, completely dependend on the world's super-rich.

Answer 2

I think the devolved governments are good, but as far as breaking into 3 or more independent nations(figuring Northern Ireland might link up with the rest of Ireland, or England and Wales might stay together), I don't think that would be a good idea. The United Kingdom is a world player, but would Scotland or Wales, or even a solo England be such??

Answer 3

The answer is :NO. Just look at North and South Vietnam, North and South Korean, China and Taiwan, East and West Germany in the world history. It was such a mess.

Besides, as a British, I am proud to be one. A nation which is rich in history and culture but hospitality. We can be quite loud in football but generally we are the sensible bunch of people really.

So why split us?

Answer 4

The sooner the better. It's about time England had a say on their own afairs. England is the only democratic country in the World without their own Parliament. The Lion roars!

Answer 5

Well I don't think it will happen, but I'm in favor of letting states leave if they decide. Scotland might like it, Ireland of course, but Wales? In the end, they are better together than apart. That's just my American view though. Of course I don't like your whole parlimentary system compared to our states rights version. Local govt should have more control than the central govt on 95% of issues.

Answer 6

This is just a view!If England is one of the countries in the world preaching democracy and freedom,then there should be no question as to what should happen at base!

Answer 7

in my openion thats should not happen, your as it is not a very large country,united you will stand divided you will fall, this is my openion only , but thats left to the british what they like and why

Answer 8

I don't think Joe Strummer would have approved of that idea.

Answer 9

i say just crack a beer and say cheers!!!!why cant we all just get along!lol