THERE is a lot of controversy over the possibility of a split in the UK with Scotland parting with England. It will bring the UK back to the days of Queen Elizabeth I who fought Mary, Queen of Scots. The D-day is on September 18 when the Scots vote in an independence referendum. It is encouraging that supporters of keeping Scotland in the UK recently won a slight lead in an opinion poll. The 2.5 trillion pound UK economy may break up if the split occurs. The division of assets raises a big question. Sale of sterling, shares in companies and British government bonds has already started. Doubt hangs over the future of the pound and the UK’s nuclear weapons. One doubts if the secessionist Scots are aware of the consequences of the split. What happens to the present Queen Elizabeth? The royal family owns several estates in Scotland, either directly or through the crown estates. Scotland may want to have Queen Elizabeth as their Queen also. What about Prince Charles who had his schooling in Scotland and looks handsome in a kilt? Is he the heir apparent for Scotland? English aristocrats are apparently worried about sporting tartan shirts and ties? George Osborne, Chancellor of the Exchequer, has reportedly said goodbye to Scotch, Scotland’s famous produce. The broadcasting of the famous Richard Gordon Doctor series which is Scottish may not raise a laugh in England any more.
There was a heated debate in the House of Commons on Jammu & Kashmir. The question arose about whether it was right for the House to hold such a debate. Barry Gardiner, Labour MP, wondered if the Lok Sabha in Delhi could debate the merits and demerits of Scottish independence. Although it is an internal matter of the UK, the proposed split certainly has a global significance.
