Nor Shall My Sword

May 1999. The Scots have their first opportunity in 300 years to elect their own parliament.

To many in England, the continuing rise of Scottish nationalism causes unease. Scotland could well choose to leave the United Kingdom. In this provocative polemic, Simon Heffer argues that England must let Scotland go. The lessons of tring to coerce Ireland should have been learnt: there is nothing to be gained by pressing the Scots to stay against their will.

Heffer argues that an English parliament could begin to concentrate solely on the needs of the English people. There could be economic gains and greater financial accountability in favour of the English taxpayer. If the English would abandon their sentimental attachment to a country that feels little towards them, says Heffer, they could be happier, richer and more cohesive. The Scots believe that independence and nationalism can lead to freedom and self-confidence for Scotland: why not the same for England?

Simon Heffer offers a timely evaluation of what it means to be English and how the break-up of the Union, in place since 1707, might herald a new and exciting future for England.