When Ireland went it’s separate way in the 1920’s the United Kingdom remained a viable concept. But should Scotland decide on independence in 2014, it seriously stretches the imagine to call what is left an “united” anything.
What would be left would be a 50 million populated country called England and the rest.
What about the rest? Well, one of the rest has some choice in its future. Northern Ireland can decide whether or not to throw its lot with either England or Eire.
And what about Wales. It will remain a very little country dominated by a very very large neighbour. Could it really be back to the days of “for Wales read England?”
OK, not quite. After all Wales has its National Assembly. But that only exists simply at the whim of the English dominated parliament. What they give with one hand they can certainly take away.
Carwyn Jones is right that Scottish independence would change everything. But what it might change is the way the English see their political future. What gain is there for them to carry a heavy subsidy because of a country called Wales?
In 2014 the Scots may change a decision that their parliament made 300 years ago to throw their lot with the English. At the time they shared a monarch. Now they have the choice to continue with the arrangement or not.
Should the Scots decide to go it alone the English in turn may decide being alone may not be such a bad idea for them.
The referendum David Cameron and Alex Salmond signed earlier today gives the Scots a real choice as to what kind of nation it wants to be in future.
Indirectly it also gives England an opportunity to look at itself. They certainly will reflect on whether the two Acts of Union that bind them to Scotland is in their interest.
Wales as it stands will just have to accept the constitutional crumbs that fall off the top table.
It doesn’t seem strange to talk of the leaders of “Scotland’s two governments” signing an agreement today. There seems to be a mutual respect between both. Can it honestly be said that the same would apply to Wales.
And on the day Scotland is making history, what of Wales. The breaking news story here is the behaviour of an Assembly Member.
"It doesn’t seem strange to talk of the leaders of “Scotland’s two governments” signing an agreement today. There seems to be a mutual respect between both. Can it honestly be said that the same would apply to Wales."
ReplyDeleteWhat do you expect with a bunch of forelock tugging Labourites running the show here? I despise them. 'Please may we have Trident!' Truly disgusting puppets.
Good piece.
ReplyDeleteTake a holiday more often. It seems the rest gives you a better perspective on matters political.
A blog worth reading!
The Scottish Government does seem to have achieved a sense of equality with the UK Government. You cannot say the same for Wales. It goes back to what Gerry Holtham says. We hold no cards. As much as I believe in labour politics and labour values, we will never hold any cards if we keep voting for Labour.
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