the north leaving uk

[peterk]

if scotland votes for independence the unionist will be in a very vunerable postion
how long before the english say bye

[Duth Ealla]

groan

[dmc444]

ZZZZZZZZZZZZ

This is the third thread i have read from you in 2 days on the subject of scottish independence.

[Aindriu]

If the Scots vote for independance (and it is highly unlikely in reality) they will not automatically get it. The House of Commons and House of Lords will have to ratify any such move and may well seek a referendum across Wales and England to see if the public want to lose Scotland from the Union.

[Oppenheimer]

If the Scots vote for independance (and it is highly unlikely in reality) they will not automatically get it. The House of Commons and House of Lords will have to ratify any such move and may well seek a referendum across Wales and England to see if the public want to lose Scotland from the Union.

Why is it highly unlikely? I watched the BBC Panaromam programme on this last night and one thing that struck me is that over 80% of Scottish people consider themselves to be Scottish first and British second. Also some of the reforms in recent times have been positively received by the population and attributed to having more independence or say in the running of the country from a more national perspective.

[MaighEoGoDeo]

if scotland votes for independence the unionist will be in a very vunerable postion
how long before the english say bye

I don't know if the unionists would roll over that easily.
The British really don't care about whether the north of Ireland achieves freedom or not. It's the unionists being stubborn that has allowed the north stay under British control for so long. In fact, I think that the unionists would be even more determined to keep the north part of Britain if the Scots were to have independence. However, Scottish independence would give the Republican cause more substance.

Now, I am not entirely confident that Scotland will get independence. They have oil fields off the north coast don't they? The English won't be happy about losing those. Also, the Scots think that they already basically rule Britian. Gordon Brown, British monarchy, etc, so a lot of them are reluctant to depart the union. If Scotland did leave though, it could well spell the end of the UK within the near future.

[Limerick Lad]

The most recent poll on Scottish Independence carried out between the 22nd and 24th June 2009 by ICM showed that while 58% would like to see a referendum on Scottish Independence being held next year, only 38% would vote in favour of independence with 54% voting against.
Doesn't seem like Scotland will be splitting the Union just jet.

[Keith-M]

The most recent poll on Scottish Independence carried out between the 22nd and 24th June2009 by ICM showed that while 58% would like to see a referendum on Scottish Independence being held, only 38% would vote in favour of independence with 54% voting against.
Doesn't seem like Scotland will be splitting the Union just jet.

Exactly, another non-story.

[Aindriu]

Why is it highly unlikely? I watched the BBC Panaromam programme on this last night and one thing that struck me is that over 80% of Scottish people consider themselves to be Scottish first and British second. Also some of the reforms in recent times have been positively received by the population and attributed to having more independence or say in the running of the country from a more national perspective.

The Welsh consider themselves Welsh first and British second. They aren't clamouring for independance from the Union.

[Oppenheimer]

The Welsh consider themselves Welsh first and British second. They aren't clamouring for independance from the Union.

Not really an answer, the case seems to be different in Scotland where there does seem to be some clamour for independence.