Yes vote will scotch Cameron

THE FRIDAY THING: WHEN David Cameron sanctioned a move by the Scots to seek independence from England had he really looked at all the possible consequences, including digging a trench between England and the Scots and allowing Scotland to float off in the direction of the European Union?

And had Mr Cameron considered the possibility that sanctioning a referendum might just not have been his best idea and could see him forced to resign if, as expected, Scotland becomes independent?

Labour’s Ed Miliband finds himself in a similar boat, which will be leaking and foundering. He might be forced to join Cameron on the waves of isolation outside the Union - and outside the Labour leadership too.

Scottish Labour MPs at Westminster would, like many refugees before them, take to the boats to re-join England and thus continue with their generous salaries and perks.

It has also been suggested that it would be necessary to fill the gaps in Hadrian’s Wall, thus creating a barrier to keep the English out of the tartan lands.

There are significant numbers of people north of the border who would find that course one of the best consequences of independence.

Not surprisingly, the Queen is deeply concerned by Scotland’s bid to break up Britain by abandoning the 300-year-old United Kingdom. There will be a great many English, Welsh and Irish people, too, who believe passionately in the United Kingdom.

There is, evidently, a strong anti-monarchy element in the Scottish National Party, but whether the dislike of the English and England will be enough to start unravelling Britain remains to be seen. There might be some second thoughts when the pound starts to fall and Scottish banks and businesses begin to feel an economic squeeze.

The Union has served all its occupants well for over three centuries; it will be a pity if the vanity of Alex Salmond and his cronies shuts it down.