We need a union of independent states

THE future of “these Islands”, as David Trimble calls what others call the “British Islands”, the “British Isles” or “Western European Isles”, should not be down to one part of it to determine alone.

The fact the nationalists are in control of the Scottish Parliament, and may keep control in next year’s election, does not change the fact that their version of independence has been voted against for a generation (until 2034).

In my view the first step to the countries within Great Britain becoming independent is an English Parliament. Independence, of the kind Australia, Canada and New Zealand enjoy, could then be put in a GB-wide referendum.

The United Kingdom would still need to exist, composed of the monarchy, the Church of England, the armed forces and secret services. It would be a separate country from the others that exists to provide stability to all parts of “these Islands” as it does with the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands and Gibraltar at present.

A union of all independent countries within “these Islands” could therefore include a single currency (ie GBP), single defence and security, and single market. The nationalists in Scotland were not able to offer these benefits at the 2014 referendum, so why should they be given another shot at their fanciful approach to abolishing the Act of Union?

The model I suggest may not appeal to those who want separatist independence or unionism of an imperialist flavour, but could at some point allow even a united Ireland to be part of it. In Great Britain and Ireland people could have English, Scottish, Welsh or Irish nationality from their home country, as well as opting for British nationality from the United Kingdom. I would opt for both British and Welsh nationality and currently express this wish with a GB plate on the back of my car and Welsh plate on the front. Councillor Jonathan Bishop, Community councillor for

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