It is somewhat amazing to realize that even just 100 years ago, the sun still did not set on the British Empire. But the costs of two world wars was enough to kill the Empire. But Empires generally do not just disappear overnight. The Roman Empire wound down over the course of a centuries with the eastern half (the Byzantine Empire) holding out for many centuries longer. Even the sudden collapse of civilizations in the Bronze Age Collapse played out over 100 years or more. So it is interesting to see the U.K. continue to shuffle toward dissolution with this latest bit of news: "Scottish parliament backs call for new independence referendum." The article reports:
The Scottish parliament has voted in favour of a motion calling on the UK Government in London to approve a fresh referendum on independence.
Lawmakers in the devolved legislature in Edinburgh backed the proposal by 72 votes to 55 on Tuesday. The body holds powers over policy areas including health, education, justice, transport and the environment.
The motion was introduced by First Minister John Swinney, who leads the pro-independence Scottish National Party (SNP).
"With the mandate of parliament, I will now take that forward to dialogue with the UK government to make sure that parliament’s wishes, which, of course, are the wishes of the people, are properly put into effect,” he said.
An unsuccessful referendum had been held in 2014, and a 2022 ruling from the UK Supreme Court held that any new independence referendum could only take place with the consent of the UK Government. Interestingly, though, this referendum isn't driven for a desire for more freedom, but less:
After Tuesday’s vote, Swinney said Scotland needed to gain independence before the next UK general election, expected in 2029, citing the threat that Nigel Farage’s anti-immigration, anti-EU Reform UK party could win power.
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