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

It’s all very well wanting to rejoin but she has to show us that she’s got a clear membership pathway agreed with EU leaders - I’m not prepared to accept any more empty promises from politicians on this issue.

I will be heartbroken if my country leaves the UK. I also don't think we can afford it. The Institute of Fiscal Studies (an independent body) dont seem to think its a good idea either. Im really surprised the SNP gets as much support as it does and don't understand why. Both my MP and MSP are useless. My MP does not reply to emails. Im amazed they were voted back in! Anyway, it's not to do with Barnett or money. For me personally I have English and Irish family. I holiday in England, sometimes Wales. These countries and inc Northern and Southern Ireland are my neighbours and friends. Id be devastated if we all split. Im also rather concerned at the divisions within my country now. As far as Im concerned we had a referendum and I certainly don't want another. There is still much division from the last one.

I would also like to add Miss Sturgeon does not speak for me.

I think that, with people seeing how difficult Brexit is going to be, any Scottish independence referendum will be closely scrutinised and, as with the leave vote here I can't help but feel that, although many Scottish people have voted for the SNP it might not necessarily be because they want independence.

I suspect that Johnson won't put up much of a defence to Scotland leaving the UK. At the moment, he has hardly any MPs in Scotland, so it would strengthen his position in England. It would also appeal to English nationalists, who seem to think that if Scotland wants to go its own way, let them.

I agree growstuff

I also wonder if we’ll have a deco max option along with yes/no in order to try and sway those of us who abhor Johnson and everything his ilk stand for but who aren’t quite ready to break up the union completely.

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. :-(

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 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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

How will the English taxpayer foot the bill, precisely?

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!?

I said exactly that in an earlier post Jabberwok

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.

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!!!

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

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

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

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

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.