The Break-up of the UK will not only benefit Scotland

Scotland's desire for independence is not rooted in the electoral fortunes of any political party

Brian Monteith (Scotsman 28.8.23) wonders if Scottish nationalism will be irreversibly destroyed along with the SNP’s flagging fortunes. It won’t because it springs from a deep desire for self-governance. Scotland is an older nation than England. For over 300 years the union has fleeced Scotland and Scots are realising it. 

Brian has another problem - English nationalism. The fact is, the English just aren’t that into the union and “Britishness.” Who can blame them? They are told ad nauseum that they subsidise Scotland when it’s the opposite. Scotland has a parliament, Wales an assembly and Northern Ireland a peace agreement and a free trade deal with the EU. The English are stuck with a dysfunctional Westminster. And, of course, the British empire is long gone.

The English voted for Brexit because they were told it would make them better off, but it has made them poorer and more isolated than ever. The British establishment has betrayed the English people just as much as it has the Scots, Welsh and Northern Irish. The ruling elites, that now include Starmer’s Labour party, are determined to continue their attack on the state, destroying what’s left of the post-war social contract. 

The English people want, need and deserve a strong state. The impending break-up of the UK will not only benefit Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It may finally give the English people the voice they have so long been denied. 

Leah Gunn Barrett
29/08/23