End of the Road for the United Kingdom? - by Mark Denee
From a group of islands approximately 100,000 sq. mi. (250,000 sq. km.) in size reigned the world’s largest empire: the United Kingdom. Culminating in the 19th century under Queen Victoria, the British Empire controlled approximately one-quarter of the world’s land, resources and population.The Union Flag (“Union Jack”) and the empire that it represented is considered controversial in today’s politically correct society. On one hand, its legacy is widespread in legal, military, education and government systems, and in economic practice. Its image dominates sports (cricket, rugby, and football/soccer), and symbolizes the global spread of the English language.On the other hand, to some, its effigy reflects an empire of slavery and racism, brutality and aggression, pride and arrogance.The United Kingdom—which consists of the British isle states of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland—has undergone its own decline. In 1922, Ireland split into two states, one declaring independence and becoming the Republic of Ireland; the other remaining a part of the UK, becoming Northern Ireland. In 1998, Scotland was granted the resumption of its own parliament in Edinburgh. In recent months, calls for Scottish independence have increased (they were also somewhat popular during the 1970s). Could this spell the end of the United Kingdom?
Note EU-Digest: "Instead of fighting closer ties with the EU and its new constitutional treaty, Britain should be far more receptive to being part of a strong and united Europe. Going it alone would certainly mean their further decline as a major player on the world stage."
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