Britain no more?

gzlaser

THERE was an old saying that \"the sun never sets on the British Empire\". Although once true, this statement no longer holds its former meaning as Britain has seen its once great empire slip away piece by piece. At present, the United Kingdom consists of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. However, it seems more likely that the kingdom itself will disappear.

According to a survey in a British newspaper last month, a majority of Scottish and English voters support the break-up of the United Kingdom. A total of 52 per cent of Scottish voters would like England and Scotland to part ways. The number is even higher in England, where it has reached 59 per cent.

The survey also found that many Scottish people are displeased with sharing their oil resources with England. However, three in five Englishmen thought that the government was giving too many subsidies to Scotland. \"I find it irritating that we are paying for the cake the Scottish are eating,\" said Englishwoman Edwina Currie.

Even with their strong ties, the English, Scots, Welsh, and Northern Irish still claim their homelands are culturally different. While the United Kingdom has a seat at the United Nations and competes as one at the Olympic Games, all four places have their own FIFA football teams.

\"I never thought Scotland and England should be stuck together,\" said Englishman Sheridan Morley. \"I feel more abroad in Scotland than when I go to the United States.\"

Many political officials share these feelings. \"The people of both England and Scotland are seeking their own self-respect,\" claimed Alex Salmond, leader of the Scottish Nationalist Party.

If the \"independence tide\" comes in, it will be a truly historic event. Scotland has been a part of the United Kingdom for 300 years. Wars and campaigns, triumphs and disasters have been shared among the four Union partners. An independent Scotland would mark the end of that era.

However, some respondents are less sure that independence is the right decision. There are questions related to how logical the move might be, and some fear that Scotland could not stand alone, economically.

\"This 'Braveheart' and 'William Wallace' (famous Scottish hero fighting for independence) stuff is good old-fashioned fun in the bar. But it has nothing to do with finding the right way forward on this issue,\" wrote one English opponent of separation in an online chat room.

England and Scotland

English history and Scottish history have been linked for centuries. As England is larger than Scotland, it frequently controlled Scotland or forced Scotland to give over resources.

In 1297, a Scottish hero named William Wallace led an uprising against the English occupying Scotland. Although he was killed in 1305, Wallace is still considered one of the great heroes of Scotland. The movie \"Braveheart\" was made about his life.

In 1707 \"The Treaty of Union\" made Scotland a part of the United Kingdom. However, Scots have always maintained a unique cultural identity.

In 1999 the British Government allowed Scots to set up their own parliament, which can pass laws on matters such as education, health and justice. It has limited taxation powers. Matters such as defence and foreign policy are reserved for London.