Sinking state

Published on 14/12/2012 00:00

Considerable attention has been given to the release of 2011 census results for England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Much has been made of the changing demographic profile – of England in particular, where the change is most dramatic.

Little attention has been given, however, to something quite remarkable. In the 2011 census everyone in the UK was asked their national identity. The results so far are that only a minority of people in each of England, Wales and Northern Ireland identify themselves as British.

The results for Scotland will not be known till later, but it is difficult to see Scots bucking that trend.

A British state where only a minority in each constituent country identifies as being British has no future.

The once “unsinkable’” Britannic ship of state appears to have hit its iceberg.

Hamish Scott

Carlaverock Drive

Tranent, East Lothian