Should England leave the United Kingdom? Have your say.

Written for seriousdetritus.com by Paul Frost[1]

As 2021 opens, the UK news is reporting a number of different polls and surveys that suggest the peoples of Scotland, Wales and Ireland increasingly want to leave the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The useful Sunday Times article by Tim Shipman and Jason Allardyce carried the headline "Union in crisis as polls reveal voters want referendum on Scottish independence and united Ireland."[2]

The researchers questioned voters in all four nations about independence for their nation and the results generated the headline. Prominence is given to the findings that a majority of voters in Northern Ireland and Scotland support holding a referendum. In keeping with previous enquiries in Wales the majority there did not. Unfortunately, the result from English voters on their support for a referendum on England's independence was not reported. It's interesting that alongside these responses there was no majority in any of the home nations for leaving the UK, although in Northern Ireland and Scotland the margins were very close and the undecideds could easily tip the balance.

For many, this talk of independence in the three home nations is all rather disturbing on a number grounds. Not least because some of these relationships have been around for over 500 years[3]. Others are convinced that leaving the Union would be no more than a correcting of old wrongs. To some it is clear that Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland remaining in the UK because England wishes it so is no longer a good reason.

For many, this talk of independence in the three home nations is all rather disturbing on a number grounds. Not least because some of these relationships have been around for over 500 years[3]. Others are convinced that leaving the Union would be no more than a correcting of old wrongs. To some it is clear that Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland remaining in the UK because England wishes it so is no longer a good reason.

Some of you are no doubt thinking that the mere idea of England leaving the UK is dumb. The UK wouldn’t exist without England. The history of how the UK came to be and the centrality of England tells you all you need to know on this. It’s foolish to even ask. That may be so. However, it may be worth holding that thought a moment whilst you realise that the Sunday Times research revealed that 15% of voters in England would vote for independence. Asking 'dumb' questions can sometimes bring interesting answers.

For the avoidance of doubt the questions in this survey are not asked from any position or particular point of view. The questions are asked neutrally and with an interest in the opinions provided. Opinions on England’s membership of the Union are an interesting research issue.

The nature and form of the relationships in what would remain is a separate question. One of considerable interest to be sure, but one that is distinct and not under consideration here.

The survey takes only one to two minutes to complete. It has four 'tick-box' questions and gives you an opportunity to comment on each. It also asks for a little bit of information on things such as your age and gender. We will give you the opportunity to leave your email address to receive information on the results if you choose.

The survey does not ask you to say anything about yourself that would enable you to be identified. The raw data will not be shared, given or sold to anyone or any organisation. Graphs and charts will be used to display the overall results on this site. If you wish to be updated just leave your email.

We look forward to hearing from you. Click here to go to the survey.

If you have any questions please email: [email protected]

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[1] Dr Paul Frost is a retired academic and an Honorary Fellow of the University of Brighton.

[2] "Union in crisis as polls reveal voters want referendum on Scottish independence and united Ireland", Tim Shipman and Jason Allardyce, The Sunday Times, January 23 2021.

[3] The English have been in union with one or more of the three countries for nearly 500 years. Having formed itself into a nation in 927, England passed the first Act of Union with Wales in 1536. Sometime later, in 1707 England and Scotland were united as the United Kingdom of Great Britain. Although there had been links with Ireland since 1542 the 1801 Act of Union with Ireland lead to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. Finally, in 1922 the division of Ireland lead to United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.