How can unionists confront separatism in post-devolution UK?

Question

How can unionists confront separatism in post-devolution UK?

Answer 1

I wouldn't concern yourself too much, if the Union does break up I am fairly confident England will be the real winners.

Just look at the Scottish Economy, North Sea Oil contributes 1.5% of UK GDP and Scotlands total GDP of £86 Billion including North Sea Oil, isn't much more than the GDP of Yorkshire at £81 Billion or the GDP of the English Northwest at £77 BIllion, even rural East Anglia contributes £75 billion to UK GDP.

You can find analysis of regional GDP here -

http://www.bcglocations.com/uk/uk_intro....

London contributes around 17% of UK GDP, and this figure nearly doubles to around 35% if you take in to account the London Commutter belt. Overall, over 85% (possibly nearer to 90%) of UK GDP is provided by England, so we have the least to worry about.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/main.jh...

Scottish GDP includes all manufacturing and goods, oil and natural resources, fisheries and agriculture and tourism, leisure and service industries, in other words it includes all aspects of the economy.

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statis...

http://www.bcglocations.com/uk/london/lo...

http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/Corporati...

http://www.re4m.eu/uk-west-midlands.asp

Scotland leaving the Union would be good news for the North of England, as all those civil service jobs that are based in Scotland could be moved down to England, as would Defence Jobs and investment.

Scottish Independence would also risk investment from companies not wishing to risk putting money it to what would be an extremely left wing socialist state, and there would also be a risk to Scottish Tourism, as many people in England could be put off from visting if Scotland were to go Independent and snub England and the UK.

The much vaunted Irish Economy built around Thatcherism and Monetarism is also now suffering badly.

England would also get rid of the hated Barnett Formula, and would have it's own Parliament.

We could develop a Joint Nuclear Deterrent with the French, replacing Clydeside, with the twin bases of Devonport and Brest (the current home of the French SSBN's) which are nearly directly opposite each other.

With the money saved from propping up Scotland and Wales we could enjoy more investment in the English Regions as well as possible tax cuts.

You have to look on the Bright Side, the English will not end the Union, but if the Scots and Welsh decide too, more fool them.