The financial glue of the UK.

United Kingdom Subjects – England buys the consent of the fringe – Scotland and Northern Ireland received government spending about 20% per head higher than the UK average. Wales was 10% higher and England was 3% lower.

Health spending will be protected in the periphery after the election and education to some extend especially by Labour. That will widen the gap between England and the rest. The consent issue will arise as things tighten. The old West Lothian question of Tam Dalyell persists — why should Scottish MPs vote on English issues whereas English MPs cannot vote on Scottish issues.

Message to the periphery, when you are bought, stay bought. If you ever opt for independence keep ‘Fianna Fail – look alikes’ away from the economy.