The English Spring

We've had the Arab Spring and the Scottish Spring, and now - at least according to Tory Eurosceptics - we're on the verge on the 'English Spring'.

The idea that English Euroscepticism will lead to a break up of the United Kingdom has been floated by many astute political commentators over the past week, and also by Wales' First Minister Carwyn Jones:

First Minister Carwyn Jones has warned David Cameron’s decision to exclude Britain from a new European treaty could lead to the break-up of the UK, with a Yes vote in a referendum on Scottish independence.

Although English Euroscepticism undoubtedly puts the Westminster Coalition on a collision cause with the SNP and Plaid Cymru, I don't believe that the break-up of the UK is a forgone conclusion, even in the event of an In-Out referendum on our EU membership. In fact, as I explain in Euroscepticism: A very English disease? there is the potential for Euroscepticism to act as a unifying force.

ComRes recently found Scotland to be the most Eurosceptic part of Britain. And Lallands Peat Worrier has an interesting break-down of Scottish public opinion, from which comes the revelation that even among those who support independence, 37.5% would like independence from both Westminster AND Brussels.

Food for thought for Salmond's campaign team.