The UK / Great Britain are famous brands respected all over the world for democracy, legal system, science, culture, innovation and more. It seems amazing that people suggest they are willing to give it up and split the country into smaller parts.
The Lancashire Evening Post today contains an article about a debate in the Continental Hotel in Preston on the effect of Scottish independence on the north and if the north should have it’s own parliament.
It’s hard to see what benefits either of these things can have. Influence is largely based on size. It’s no surprise that Germany is powerful in the EU, as well as their industriousness they’re by far the biggest country in terms of population. Splitting the UK can only damage it’s influence and prestige. To some influence and prestige may mean little but if you’re looking to get a contract and can offer a big reciprocal market it can swing the deal. Similar with world status in the G7, IMF and UN, a voice there can win friends where you are looking for benefits and deals.
A northern parliament will benefit the local politicians who will have more power. It would add another layer of government and potential for arguments with central government. Perhaps it would be more left leaning and some would think that good if it gives some freedom from a right leaning central government. Although it might not have enough powers to make significant changes in those areas. It could be that if taxes in the north were higher than the Midlands then moving a few miles into a lower taxed area would be something you wouldn’t worry about and it could accelerate the movement of jobs south. Or maybe if benefits were better in the north the unemployed would move north. Whereas a Scot might think twice about moving into England.
With independence Scotland will be free they say! The freedom will be to have limited scope for change at home, not even having their own currency, and to be of no consequence whatsoever on the world stage. In many ways Scottish independence could benefit the north as many jobs in shipbuilding, government and defence are based there and they’d possibly be moved to the north of England. Those northern windmills could be more affordable rather than subsidising Scottish windmills. Although overall it would damage the UK in terms of size and influence. There’s no doubt to me all sides are better together.