Editorial: If you want to go, then go

SO the end appears to be in sight for the United Kingdom. Scotland looks set to breakaway but does it really matter? To be honest I have always thought that it was a rather difficult union, more a marriage of convenience, than a marriage of real affection. Scotland, even in its present form, is almost an independent nation, with its own government and vast powers which will grow even further if the “No” wins. As an Englishman I would say I am rather indifferent on whether Scotland stays part of the United Kingdom. I believe that they would be committing economic suicide if they did vote Yes for independence but this was always going to be a vote from the heart rather than the head. A Scottish breakaway would be a disaster for the Labour Party because they would lose scores of seats and make it extremely difficult for them to win a majority.  I don´t believe that the economy south of the border would be hit hard if Scotland did go and in some ways part of England would prosper as companies move south.  Naval shipbuilding ended in Portsmouth earlier this month and all new warships would or could be built in Glasgow. A yes vote would mean that Portsmouth yards would reopen and build the new generation of Navy frigates.  I suspect that the nuclear deterrent would be moved from Glasgow to Plymouth which is already home to nuclear submarines and hundreds of jobs would be created. The Scots are a proud people and have a long and illustrious history. But so do the English. So, Scotland if you want to go, then go and the best of luck. But, remember there is no going back.