ENGLAND AND THE GENIE OF SCOTTISH INDEPENDENCE

We are about to enter the most momentous year in history of the British state since Irish independence in 1922. With a yes vote next year Scotland could break away from England and the rest of the UK. Even if the link is retained things will never be the same again. A genie has been let out, raising issues not just about Scotland but also about England and the nature of the UK.

Yet thus far the English have largely ignored the debate over Scottish independence; when they have paid any attention, the response has often taken the form of irritation with what is perceived as the ‘constant bellyaching’ of the Scots. A recent opinion poll has shown strong support for Scottish independence south of the border, the motivation appears to be born of this irritation, little thought being given to the matter other than the sentiment ‘if they want to go, let them.’

Given both globalisation and the increasing trend toward ever greater devolution the demand for outright independence feels increasingly like a throwback to 19^th Century romantic nationalism, a desire to see Scotland take its place as, in the words of the old Irish rebel anthem,  a nation once again.

Not that this mix of sentimental nationalism and legitimate grievance make the desire for independence illegitimate, nor should it obscure some more hard headed calculations underlying Scotland’s desire to ‘go it alone.’ What it does however is make the debate for us south of the border, excluded as we are from the deliberations, somewhat hard on the ear.

Listening my self to a TV debate on the referendum I found my feelings of benign solidarity for those seeking independence being steadily eroded,* not least by the sense that those in the Yes camp wanted to have their cake and eat it too. This consisted of constant reassurance that following independence little would change respecting relations with England. Border controls, how ridiculous, of course not…use of sterling, not a problem…break up of the unified armed forces, how could this possibly be problematic? It was like hearing your partner tell you they were set on a divorce, but not to worry, this wouldn’t change anything.

I also found my self irritated by the assumption that all decisions respecting Scotland’s changed relationship with England would be made in Holyrood, the English expected to sit passively awaiting Scotland’s judgement on the exact nature of the relationship.

“Well,” I found my self saying to the screen, “that is not how it works.” Border controls being an example in point; for should the Scottish Parliament decide to radically reduce duty on some goods, or alter its immigration policy, Westminster might want to institute some significant border controls. It is simply not good enough to invoke Braveheart, wave the flag of St Andrew and refuse to address these issues.

 However the vote goes next year the genie is now out of its bottle and exposed to the harsh light of day. Things, as I say, will never be the same again. Even if the vote is No it is likely that greater devolved powers will follow; the separation between England and Scotland will have slowed down but will continue, and this will have implications for Wales and Northern Ireland.

George Orwell famously talked about the deep sleep of England, and certainly respecting the momentous events set in train by the referendum on Scottish independence the image seems correct. However, whether they like it or not, events north of the border have serious implications for the English – and of course the other component nations of the UK. The coming year may witness the emergence of an English nationalism and the raising of questions about English identity in a transformed UK. Genies, being what they are, seldom settle for a quite life, on the contrary they have a natural predilection for creating mischief.  

*For what it’s worth, if I lived north of the border I would probably be in the yes camp.

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