English independence is a political stance advocating secession of England, the largest and most populous country of the British Isles from the United Kingdom. Support for secession of England has been influenced by the increasing devolution of political powers to Scotland and Wales, where independence from the United Kingdom is a prominent political feature.
English independence is seen by its advocates as a way to resolve the West Lothian question in British politics, whereby Scottish and Welsh MPs in the Parliament of the United Kingdom at Westminster can vote on matters affecting England, while English MPs do not have the same power over equivalent issues in Scotland or Wales, as these powers are devolved to the Scottish Parliament or the National Assembly for Wales.
While some minor political parties have campaigned for English independence, all major UK-wide political parties adhere to the opposing view of British unionism, and oppose altering the constitutional status of England. Scottish demands for independence, rather than English demands, are seen as the most pressing threat to British unity, with Scotland due to hold a referendum on independence in 2014.
Read more about English Independence: History, Arguments For English Independence, Opinion Polls, Organisations
Famous quotes containing the words english and/or independence:
“Red lips are not so red As the stained stones kissed by the English dead.”
—Wilfred Owen (1893–1918)
“...there was the annual Fourth of July picketing at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. ...I thought it was ridiculous to have to go there in a skirt. But I did it anyway because it was something that might possibly have an effect. I remember walking around in my little white blouse and skirt and tourists standing there eating their ice cream cones and watching us like the zoo had opened.”
—Martha Shelley, U.S. author and social activist. As quoted in Making History, part 3, by Eric Marcus (1992)