Can a Split be avoided?

Most of the population would like the UK to remain, if only because most people dislike change unless there is a compelling reason to do so. Even the Scottish National Party (SNP) have stated that they would accept being part of the union if they felt that they had proper control over what they regard as their own domestic affairs, which should not be decided in London. In other words, they want a more democratic form of government! The recent referendum on EU membership has modified the SNP’s stance on this issue. To create an independent Scotland would be expensive, both for the Scots and for the rest of the UK. So, instead, why not spend the money on making the union more acceptable to all the partners.

A Partnership

How can the union be made acceptable to all partners? The answer is in the question! The union should not be just a form of words as it is at present. It should look and feel like a union of equal partners to all the participants. In other words, the structure and symbols that represent the union should resonate with all citizens in a way that they feel represents them and their aspirations. It should also end the confusion in the minds of the people of other nations, as well as at home, over the question “What is the United Kingdom?”.