Today the First Minister of Scotland and leader of the SNP (Scottish National Party) Alex Salmond announced that the Scottish Government is to have a referendum next year for Scottish Independence. Now this may sound good for Scotland, but not for Great Britain. Personally I'm English and Scottish, so in comparison it's like seeing a state in the USA want independence. Let me give you guys a brief history lesson in the history of England, Scotland and Great Britain.

"England" was established in 927 AD - then invanded by Normans in 1066. Simple yes? Well then England became England and Wales in the 13th century, thanks to Edward I's defeating the last Welsh settlements.

England and Scotland had a turbulant history, however the big step was the Act of Union in 1707. This created Great Britain, of which the term "Britain" and "British" was born. To add to this the state of Ireland was added to the Union in 1800 - creating "The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland". For me this is the ultimate act of unison. The WHOLE of the British Isles having one government, and being united.

However the independence of Eire (modern day Irish Republic) meant a break-up of the British Isles. Of course they did what was right, but I would hate to see a divided Great Britain. However resentment from English, Scottish and Welsh camps have meant that the very existance of such a country is under attack. To me, Scotland should be partners with England. At the moment its very one-sided for Westminsters favour, but an equal partnership would help this situation. Independence isn't the answer.