The end of the United Kingdom?

Question

British finance minister Gordon Brown has voiced his view that the union between the four nations of the United Kingdom is in danger of being dissolved. Would you like to see Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland all become independent of England or would you rather see the United Kingdom live on?

Answer 1

The practical significance of any country within the United Kingdom seceding is less than it once was, due to the fact that all of the countries would almost certainly remain part of the European Union. All citizens will still be able to work and reside in the other countries, but they may not be able to cross from country to country without passport checks as the United Kingdom is not party to the Schengen agreement, and it is likely that an independent England or Scotland would not be either. Ultimately, the future of the United Kingdom must rest with the citizens of the component countries. Displays of pride by the English won't persuade the other nations to remain in the Union; they'll only stay if they see material benefits from the continued Union.

Answer 2

I don't think there is much chance of the UK breaking up. It simply comes down to the fact that English, Scots, Welsh and N.Irish people do not really consider each other foreigners, and wouldn't want to be foreign countries. Once everyone gets used to the new constitutional settlement and we have a quasi-federal system, including self-government for England on the issues where the other countries have it, the UK will be stronger than ever.

But a couple of points if it did ever happen, the consequences are very complex and would depend on how the UK ended. For example, if Scotland (or any 1 other nation) seceded from the UK then the UK would still exist as England, Wales and NI. But if the 4 nations decided to dissolve the UK then it would be an entirely different matter. In any case:
1) The Isle of Man and Channel Islands are not part of the UK, they're British Crown Dependencies outside the UK. As the shared British Crown (created 1601) exists separate to the UK (created in 1707), they would remain exactly as they are now. If 1 nation seceded then the dependencies would still follow the foreign policy of the UK government, but if the UK dissolved then the dependencies would have to choose which nation's government to follow (obviously England).
2) The UK is outside the Schengen agreement and yes that does mean EU citizens still need to show passports. However the UK and the Republic of Ireland have formed a British Isles 'common travel area' and you do not need a passport to move from one to the other. It would be highly likely that any new independent countries in the British Isles would be included and no passports would be needed.

Answer 3

I am unsure really. The Scots, Welsh and Irish want to leave the UK, which seems sad because we lose a lot of history. Then again England would benefit most as Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland all receive more money from tax then they contribute. I guess there still would be a UK because the Channel Islands, the Isle of Mann, and some other places would still be with England as part of a larger nation.
I would like there still to be a spirit of togetherness even if we do become separate nations, after all we have a common history and many ties in blood.

Answer 4

If Northern Ireland leaves, then I am sure that "Republic of Great Britain" would be the chosen term. Even today the term "British" is acceptable as a descriptor of the people. It is felt that northern Ireland is mostly populated with Ulster Scots who are basically British. If NI should leave and the monarchy retained, then "Kingdom of Great Britain" will probably be adopted. UK referred to Great Britain and Ireland for over a century, then it was modified to Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Remember that the tern "great" does not mean powerful. The term is centuries older than the British Empire. The term "Great Britain" is the opposite of "Lesser Britain", which is shortened to Brittany today. Brittany is one of the 6 celtic kingdoms. For centuries it has been a province of France. The term "English" is not synonymous with "British". It can be used to refer to people in the constituent country of England. Largely it is considered by the British to be an ignorant term widely used in the USA and in Latin America. Particularly annoying is the title "Queen of England" which hasn't existed for 4 centuries.

Answer 5

I don't know why there is such a big fuss over nothing. England could go it alone easily, I don't know why we don't just let England become independent. Personally, I've had enough of their whinging and moaning about property prices and financial fraud.

One suspects that the outcome of the Scottish elections in May will result in a hanging of Parliament. This will then require an alliance to be made, which would be unlikely to result in full independence for Scotland in the short term.

However, it may result in more powers being transferred to Scotland in a more gradual dissolution of Parliament in London.

Answer 6

Scotland will go it's own way it's inevitable. The act of union was a treacherous act by the nobility in Scotland who were rewarded well for stabbing there country men in the back

Answer 7

What ever the Brits want, I wouldnt mind seeing Scotland,Wales, Northern Ireland, and England independent, but I don't look for it.

Answer 8

Brown only wants the union to stay because if it was broke up, Labour would lose their majority in the House of Commons.

Good luck Scotland - hope you do well unlike that pile of cr&p there currently is in number 11.

Answer 9

I live in England but most of my family is Scottish and they live there. I love both countries, I love Wales for it's mountains (Scotland and England too for that), and find Northern Ireland a fascinating country. I'm therefore in favour of staying as the UK.

Answer 10

The United Kingdom should live on although, whilst we don't have any say in Scotland they sure like to poke their nose in on England's business. Gordon Brown is just saying that because he is Scot and is line to be the next PM.