Discussion Group – November 2021

The Discussion Group met on Monday 8th November at the Manor House, to talk about the potential breakup of the United Kingdom. There was a general consensus that the UK cannot be kept together without consent of its four constituent parts. It was felt that there was considerable pressure for independence in Scotland, much less in Wales, and that the reunification of Ireland would make complete sense, dependent of course on the will of the people both Northern Ireland and the Republic.

There was discussion around the lessons that could be learned from Brexit as to the wisdom of major constitutional changes being made based on the result of a 50% plus 1 referendum. The groups members held views on both sides of that debate, but the divisions caused by the campaign, vote and outcome were very clear.

Current circumstances meant that most of the discussion were centred on Scotland. It’s status as a distinct country was appreciated, as was the strength of feeling that exists in part of the population, but the polling evidence that only around half of Scots supported independence suggested the difficulties to come if a vote was won on a narrow majority. The lack of clarity over defence, currency, trade and EU membership was brought up, and compared with a similar lack of clarity in the Brexit debate as to what a vote in favour of leaving would mean in practise.

It was felt that the Union, with the consent of the population, had a lot in it’s favour, but that the unequal balance between the constituent parts make for a feeling of alienation from a London based government, and that similar feelings can be seen in the English regions. How to rectify that is another issue we might return to one day.

Michael Heyden, Convenor

Please note, views expressed by the Discussion Group may not represent those of the wider Dawlish & District u3a membership.