ENGLAND

In a recent article, the US news network CNN reported on the impact of Brexit on the unity of the United Kingdom (UK). CNN stated: ‘Bluntly, Brexit has shone a light on the fact that the foundations holding up the UK had been crumbling for some time.’

It is often as much useful as of interest to see an outside account of one’s own country. In this instance, CNN flagged a problem, but flunked a proper analysis of that problem, or of how to deal with it. CNN stayed well within their politically-correct and globalist comfort zone.

CNN were right to highlight friction between the four countries comprising the UK (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) and of underlying political differences, but skipped over the central issue – which is not Brexit. Even in a potted history of the last two general elections and the governments following them, CNN dodged the obvious, which is the corrupt constitutional settlement that has been imposed on England. CNN seriously misrepresented the outcome of the 2017 general election when they claimed Theresa May ‘strangely picked up votes in Remain-supporting Scotland’ in that election. In fact, what happened is that the stridency of the Scottish nationalists in their pursuit of another independence referendum, alienated the voters. The Tories were trounced in Scotland, but they won comfortably in England.

The fact is that Scotland and Wales have devolved administrations, as has Northern Ireland when they can stop bickering, but England has not. Scots, Welsh and Northern Irish MPs sit in Westminster, spouting loudly and voting on issues affecting England only, even though those issues for their own countries are handled by the local administrations. When prime minister, David Cameron promised English votes for English laws, but, apart from some ineffectual tinkering with the standing orders, nothing changed.

There is no English parliament to represent England. Elections are rigged, with even English constituencies being far larger than those in Wales and Scotland (and so English votes count for less). Meanwhile, substantial subsidies flow from England to the ungrateful Welsh, Scots and Northern Irish.

Scotland will not split from the UK as Scotland cannot afford to do so. The Ulster Unionists can see how dependent Northern Ireland is for trade with England, even if the Scottish nationalists refuse to face the obvious. Whatever lurid tales of economic hardship might be invented to scare the British public away from Brexit, those lurid inventions pale into insignificance compared to the certainty of Scotland being plunged into an economic abyss should Scotland decide to leave the UK. On top of which, Scotland would then have to fund its own EU membership fee. This will not happen as Scotland simply does not have the money. The bonanza of North Sea oil is long gone.

Mistakenly, CNN focused on Brexit: ‘The current deadlock in Westminster – and what it might mean for the union between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – is spooking politicians from all over the political divide.’ CNN noted: ‘In England, the UK’s wealthiest and most populous city, London, stands in contrast to the rest of the country. It is from London that the campaign for a second vote that could ultimately stop Brexit is being driven. But it was English votes that carried the victory for Leave.’ CNN did not admit that the reason for London being so far out of step with the English vote was that the English are now a minority in London.

Brexit was an English rebellion.

CNN cited remarks from Guy Verhofstadt, Brexit coordinator for the EU Parliament, when he claimed that UK MPs ‘have to work together to find a compromise solution on a future relationship’ in the event that the proposed Withdrawal Treaty is rejected by parliament. In reference to the unity of the UK, CNN asserted: ‘It shouldn’t be beyond the wit of our elected officials to forge some cross-party unity on a matter they claim to care so much about.’ This is flannel and sloppy journalism.

It might be that many MPs are getting animated about a no deal Brexit – but the stark fact is that it has been written into law that the UK will automatically leave the EU on the 29 March 2019 – come what may. If May’s betrayal Withdrawal Treaty is rejected, then there is no ‘deadlock in Westminster’. The default position has been agreed and it will take effect. The UK will automatically leave the EU on the 29 March. That can only be prevented by the government introducing a new law to cancel Brexit. Such a move really would plunge the unity of the UK into doubt.