Aibu to think the break up of the UK is inevitable now?

[KenDodd]

I think it is.

My point was that if those in NI think the nhs is awful then let me inform them the hse isn't much better and a lot of us pay for the privilege.

Yes, definitely a fair point. I think people will be shocked by those waiting lists because there is the perception that when you pay for something yourself, as opposed to it being free at the point of delivery, then you get it when you need it. If that makes sense?

That would be the logical conclusion isabella but unfortunately despite all the money thrown at the health service, it's run diabolically, there was always waiting lists but never this long. It's depressing.

@WatchingTheMoon Can I just say in our defence we were already planning to move to Scotland as soon as we could, it's not a recent decision, it's just been accelerated somewhat by the fact that (most of) the English seem to have collectively lost their minds.

I've always had relatives in Scotland and have always loved the country. We also think we might have some useful skills to bring? (Nursing, education, digital type stuff, knowing how to grow things, spin, knit, butchery etc - we're a weird little household!...) And I'll happily go out and knock on doors in favour of a 2nd referendum once we're up there.

I do hear people in Ireland/ROI (help! I never knew what to call it despite having lived up the road for a couple of years!) when they say they're not all that keen on a United Ireland, though. (Yes, I have Irish relatives too.)

I do have to chuckle at the perception that you should get faster healthcare because you've paid for it. If there are only, say, 100 nurses to go round, there are only 100 nurses to go round, with the same work capacity. In those kinds of professions people don't work faster just because they're being paid more (or rather not them, but their paymasters). Due to the human factors involved, healthcare isn't a factory (though I do think some health bosses and ministers think it is....but then I think some of them think we're robots).

Support for independence is no higher now than it was in 2014.

In 2014 45% voted for independence. Yesterday 45% voted SNP.

In 2014 55% voted for for the union. Yesterday 55% voted for unionist parties.

Some voted SNP because they were anti Boris, not because they support independence.
There is no change. There is no mandate for independence. There is no surge in support for it.

And Boris has ruled it out.

Since the brexit vote I’ve been fantasising about London as an independent city state. Me too. Fuck Little England.

I don't think many people in NI are under any illusions that ROI would want us! The only thing that's changed over the past few years I think is opinion in NI which I feel has softened towards the desire for a United Ireland. My suspicion would be that if anything, ROI is even less keen than it would have been five years ago (and I don't blame them). Nor are we under any illusions about the quality and speed of the healthcare system in ROI - but the prospect of being able to stay in the EU would go a long way towards making up for that. But it's all academic because ROI don't and won't want us!

YABU- Scotland voted to remain part of the UK last time, and I expect they will again. Northern Ireland isn't going anywhere either.

Actually, polls have shown around two thirds of people in the Republic would support a United Ireland as long as people in the North wanted it. There would be a reparation package from Britain, huge grants from the EU and a lot of investment to make it work. NI has so many It companies they cannot find enough staff. There would be so much 'potential to unleash' with reunification.

But it's all academic because ROI don't and won't want us!

I don’t think that’s necessarily true. The brexit shenanigans of the last 3 years have changed things. There’s a lot more sympathy now in the south for NI. With the right support I think people would get behind it.

I would be very surprised, to be honest. It could happen but is so risky economically for Scotland and Ireland, I sincerely doubt it will happen.

I think it will very much depend on what happens next wrt Brexit and it’s impact on NI.

I don't think there will be another indyref any time soon. The polls are still close t0 50/50 and Boris Johnson has ruled one out while he is PM.

I was on the fence in 2014, I'm a wholehearted yes now.

Also I think it's funny how people are still referencing the "north / south divide" in England. Have you all looked at the map? There is no divide anymore. You're a wash of tory blue. I don't even think you can reference "Little England" now with a straight face. Little England IS England now.

The "I'm moving to Scotland" comments put me in mind of Americans with their "I'm actually a quarter scaattish". You sound ridiculous.

Really, independence? Blimey, people said votes for the conservatives were like turkeys voting for Christmas I think exactly the same with the snp in Scotland.
Education standards have plummeted in Scotland, we have a new children’s hospital on one side of the country not fit to be used, and on the other a health board placed into special measures due to questions surrounding hospital infections.
It will be interesting to see if the white paper produced this time still glosses over the currency but reassures people that strictly will still be screened.

I also don't think the whole "economic uncertainty" argument can wash now.

It's either economic uncertainty with Scottish Independence OR economic uncertainty with Boris and his no deal brexit.

Because that is what will happen. He will either stick to his manifesto promise and pull us out without any deals set up, or he will break his manifesto promise and we'll have 5 years of economic uncertainty.

Whatever the fuck happens, the only thing that can be guaranteed is economic uncertainty.

I'd rather have an economic uncertainty that agrees with my fundamental principles. I'll take the hit now so that my children can grow up as adults without the rule Westminster.

@backaftera2yearbreak, you do realise how hateful and racist that sounds.

Since the brexit vote I’ve been fantasising about London as an independent city state. Me too.

Me three

The "I'm moving to Scotland" comments put me in mind of Americans with their "I'm actually a quarter scaattish". You sound ridiculous.

Reminds me of all the “i’m Moving to Ireland. my granny’s dogs first son in law was Irish.” When Brexit was announced.

Why, having seen the shit show that is Brexit, can anyone seriously think that Scottish Independence (Scexit) is a good idea? It would make Brexit look like a fun day out!

@Seeingadistance absolutely agree. Although it’s too terrifying to be funny,

Boris won't allow another referendum, he has been very clear on that. He's calling the party one nation for a reason. Sturgeon can shout all she wants, it won't happen,

It is indeed mental and terrifying.

That’s about the only good thing about Boris, but it certainly won’t stop Nicola jumping up
and down.

Can’t come soon enough for me. The Nats played a stormer last night.

Before i saw Mhairi Black talking utter dangerous and mindless nonsense about gender identity i would have said "no, don't leave me here with the tories!" but now i can see your politicians have as many issues as ours do - i mean look at Alex Salmond