Scotland and Britain seem to be nearing the point of departure. A recent poll conducted for the Daily Telegraph revealed that 52% of Scots want independence and 59% of the English would like Scotland gone. That's getting close to concensus.
Here's Peter Preston's take on the problem in today's Guardian:
"Voters aren't stupid. They have absorbed the lessons of European union, of Czech and Slovak plumbers, and seen national borders and currencies lose their old salience. Of course, Scotland may endure a bumpy ride, but not an impossible one. If the Scots want to push off, let them, because they can't go far. And meanwhile England would like some of its money back, as well as a decent answer to the West Lothian question.
"The debate may petrify the political classes, but it barely makes it through the door of the saloon bar. Quite simply, we have ceased to care as much as we did. A free Scotland? Sure, if they vote for it. A united Ireland? Why not, on the same terms? The world is a more malleable place."
1 comment:
I think you mean Scotland and England are getting close to departure.
Without Scotland there is no Britain. The Act of Union that created the Kingdom of Great Britain was a treaty between the Kingdoms of England and Scotland - although by that time they shared a Crown.
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