'Loose Talk'
By Benjamin Benedict

A bitish British

There is a real possibility of Scotland gaining political independence from the rest of the UK. Scotland already has its own Parliament, and should the Scottish Nationalist Party gain a majority at the next election (a very real possibility), then they will secede from the Union.

Up until now, the term 'British' has simply meant everyone in the UK. However, should the Scots opt for complete independence, will they no longer be British, or perhaps some redefinition of the word 'British' is required?

It could easily be said that the Canadians, New Zealanders and Australians are as 'British' as the Scots, Welsh and Irish ever were. I would personally support such a notion.

At the risk of seeming racist, I would not necessarily call the other cricket playing countries 'British', although Jamaica comes close, and extraordinarily I think that these non-British countries, after a period of distancing themselves from the UK are now drawing closer as our interaction becomes greater and more on a level footing.

Being British should be more encompassing than it has been. The days of Empire are long gone, not just for Britain, but for any other Nation. What remains are cultural groupings and the broader mind would prefer to be British along with a more local classification.

It is quite possible that my new British candidates would not accept the nomination and consequently lay waste to my proposition. But I don't see how they couldn't admit to being just a bitish British.

Note. In the recent Scottish elections, the Scottish Nationalist Party for the first time became the Party with the biggest number of seats in Scotland. They achieved this by one vote and are still some way from having an overall majority. Their only way to govern is in alliance with one of the other Parties and their only way to achieve independence from the UK is to hold a referendum. As no other Party that in combination with the SNP would give them an overall majority is in favour of holding a referendum on this issue, the SNP can possibly govern but they cannot at present, take the final step towards independence.  

Send your opinions regarding Mr. Benedict's writings to bbenedict@netlistings.com