Is this the beginning of the end for the United Kingdom?

If N Ireland and Scotland decide to be independent then of course we won’t receive money from WM - what an odd thing to even mention.

Given that Brexit is a process which will take years and has no clear direction or outcome it’s obviously going to be a difficult decision for many. Boris will have to move much further to the centre, show character and leadership skills that are sadly lacking at the moment and come up with clear and immediate benefits for the whole of the UK - because at the moment the independence parties are doing very well up here. I imagine there are many like me who could be persuaded to hold their noses and vote for independence if it meant that we could remain in the EU.

If after a vote they want independence, of course they should have it. But that means a complete break, they should be financially self supporting, no money from Westminster. If they feel happier being a part of Europe rather than the Uk it is their decision. I find it sad they want to separate from UK however, but I do wonder how many really want to. Perhaps if going it on our own proves to be good, they might feel a bit happier about staying as part of the UK.

I stand corrected on SP vote which I see took place in 2017

You specifically said that the English taxpayer would foot the bill though - can you explain what you mean by that?

There will no doubt be a cost to a subsequent English Govt if Scotland and N Ireland decide to go their separate ways, but as with leaving the EU, that’s something that will have to be borne - that’s where the politicians get round the table and negotiations begin.

Regardless of formulas that divvy up UK taxpayers money. It is fair to say that those taxpayers in living in England by virtue of larger population numbers make the larger contribution to the Exchequer. No I don't follow Scottish politics, my point being is that the request ought to come via the Scottish Parliament rather than hubristic reaction to the GE result. As to the cost. There is the cost of the referendum to be met, is this in the Scottish Parliament's budget? If successful the cost of dismantling current administration structures. Setting up new administration. Currency, defence, security, common infrastructure to be considered. Then of course the cost of rejoining the EU. Where is Scotland going to find the funding for this? I assume through some transition agreement with monies coming from Westminster. It is a complex matter. If Scotland want independence that's fine, my point being that the people of should Scotland finance it.

the first lady
Nicola Sturgeon is not the first lady.
She is the first Minister of the Scottish Parliament.

For the time being at least, the First Lady is HM the Queen.

If Scotland does become independent they can choose a President who may or may not be a woman.

Tooting You obviously do not follow Scottish politics or you would be aware that the Scottish Parliament has already voted in favour of a second referendum or that the Scottish Greens are also an Independence Party, who together with the SNP form a majority in the Parliament.

As to the English taxpayer footing the bill - there is no such thing as an English Tax Payer, all revenues raised throughout the UK go to the UK exchequer, the Scottish Government under the Barnett formula gets a percentage back to fund devolved services e.g. NHS, education, police.

I'd also like to point out that a majority of Scots want the WMD removed from their Country because of the ever present risk of an accident or attack which would have a devastating effect on the population of Central Scotland, including the city of Glasgow only 40 miles away. It is a fallacy that the presence of the base offers wealth and local jobs, as most of the workforce and naval personnel are not local and actually live elsewhere and remain within the base during their 'tour of duty'. Any slight increase in business for shops, hotels etc. is offset by the loss of income from tourism. Not many people choose to holiday within a few miles of a nuclear facility, even if the scenery is gorgeous.

First thing I did as a citizen of NI when we voted to leave.

First thing I did as a citizen of NI we voted to leave.

If you become an Irish citizen Dilly would your children then be able to claim citizenship as your relatives?

A lot of negotiations and conversations ahead for the countries directly involved, certainly.

Perhaps it would make sense in this day and age if NI were to rejoin the South they would then automatically be back in the EU, which is what they voted for, so no potentially difficult change over for them, and also a divided country imo is never a good thing. Mind you Dublin has to agree, which might be a sticking point!!!

I’m thinking of applying for Irish citizenship, though I did vote for brexit I feel awful I have this option and my children don’t.
I’d be very sad to see the breakup of Scotland and NI, but understand why they might want to.

I said exactly that in an earlier post Jabberwok

I wasn't querying the wisdom of Scotland leaving the union in favour of the EU! (Euro anyone?!! ) My point was that surely Scotland needs to have a cast iron arrangement over joining the EU before leaving the Union, else you could end up in neither , which even for a short period could be difficult. Whether you stay or go doesn't concern me one way or another!
Thank you Sussexborn!?

How will the English taxpayer foot the bill, precisely?

I see Nicola Sturgeon is calling for a second referendum but shouldn't such an important request come via the Scottish Parliament rather than the first lady. Surely that would be the democratic process to follow. Unfortunately SNP does not have a majority in the Scottish Parliament ar the moment and the next election is 2021. Bit I feel the Scottish Parliament should have a say and NS is acting all presidential and not taking into account ir allowing debate on it. If I was Boris, I would look for ways to increase devolution and then stand back.

And of course the Englush taxpayer will foot the bill, perhaps we all ought to have a say on it

What do you find rude about the fact the opinions of people from England and Wales are really irrelevant because it will be up to us to decide?

Funnily enough, I find your comment about the majority views of two countries being a bit odd because they don’t chime with yours rude too - so it seems we both find each other’s comments unpleasant. Oh well.

Where did the Trident contract come from? The indifferent government who show no interest?

How rude! Why join a discussion forum and then make such unpleasant comments when others have a different view on the matter being discussed.

Totally uncalled for.

You might find it a ‘bit odd’ but the majority of us here and N Ireland believe that there are huge benefits in being part of the EU, especially as this Govt has shown nothing but indifference verging on contempt for our 2 countries - and so we disagree with you. Ultimately though, it won’t be for England or Wales to decide and your opinions are really irrelevant.

They certainly would Sussexborn! There is already talk of Trident moving to Plymouth where it also would be very welcome!

I think if Scotland wants to leave the Union,so be it, it will be their choice, same with NI. However I do agree that sensibly Scotland need a cast iron arrangement from the EU before 'casting care to the wind' and risk ending up 'between two stools' out of the UK and not sure of how or when they'll
be joining the EU! Goodness knows what their future would be in that situation

If Scotland or Northern Ireland have a majority vote to leave then that must be respected. A bit odd not wanting to be part of a four country union but wanting to become a tiny cog in a group of 27+ countries with more hoping to join.

The defence jobs would be very welcome in the Midlands or North of England.

I don't know SirChenjin, but I think it's going to be up to the Scots. I don't think you'll get much help from England. :-(