Shattered solidarity

The Yes Campaign frequently characterises English opposition to Scottish independence as coming primarily from the ‘Westminster elite’.

I’m from Liverpool – hardly Westminster elite. We have much more in common with Glasgow than our nearest English neighbours. I have more Scots ancestry than English from both my mother and father (although I’m happy with all my ancestry – English, Scots and Irish).

I don’t partake in bogus tartan sentimentality – I mistrust nationalism, whether it’s Scottish or English.

But I’m proud of my Scottish heritage and feel that the majority of Scots stand in solidarity with those of us in England, Wales and Northern Ireland who share a commitment to social democratic values. So when I’m in Scotland, I feel that I’m in my own country as much as when I’m in England.

I’m not a constitutional expert and maybe it’s inevitable that I don’t get a say in the referendum. But in a few days’ time, my family and I may well be consigned to being foreigners in Scotland and the solidarity between Scots, Welsh, English and Northern Irish who believe in and have fought for social democracy in Britain will be shattered.

Don’t tell me that this has got nothing to do with me or that it’s only big business and the Westminster elite in England who support the Union.

Keith McDowall
Liverpool