OK - to follow on from a news thread, I’ve put this poll up.

The premise: at some state, we will find being a small nation state in a wave of large super power blocs untenable. Trading requirements by those blocs will see us legislating to meet various requirements laid down by those blocs. We will also find it harder to function economically, and to survive in some form of comfort, we will eventually have to side with one of these blocs, effectively losing total independence. This alliance would require deep political integration, the adoption of the native currency, and possibly other practices and customs.

As a UK citizen, you get to choose with whom to ally:

European Union - our closest neighbours. Despite being a trading bloc, it has a single currency, and legislates across the board via the EU Parliament. Members of the EU are free to adopt local laws as long as they do not impinge on EU laws, and where they do, local laws must be amended or repealed.

United States of America - we would become the 51st state. We would adopt their currency, legislation and all UK citizens would become USA citizens. While we would retain the monarchy, it would become purely ceremonial, and subservient to the position of the President. While some would argue that we could just adopt the US Dollar as a more stable economy, we are reminded of Argentina’s experience and should think better of it.

Russian Federation - a strange choice, I added this almost as an afterthought. I wonder what the consequences of being part of the Russian Federation would be? Maybe the Queen would be granted the title of Tsarina and would adopt ceremonial duties there?

Whatever the choice, we’d be stuck with it for ever. It’s a bridge burning exercise - could we lose the so called friendship with the USA to become better Europeans for example?

I voted Pie for "None of the Above" Mostly because any of the options sound awful and I think if it actually came to a real life vote, I'd struggle to choose between the evils on offer.

'Pie' is the only true friend a man can have.

EU, the americans can't make a decent cheese.

Why don't we team up with the Aussies instead?

No way!!!! Not with there total patronising attitude to classification and internet accessablity!!!

They have difficulties making a decent cheese as well.

Then again when you think about the French, is cheese really worth that much.

Screw the cheese argument ...... Cheddar FTW!!

We have the chunnel - we can go fetch it ourselves! Steal the cheese!


I can't remember reading such foolishness on here for a very long time! Cheese FTW!

EU cos we're Europeans innit.

+1

i voted US as we have more in common with them then we will ever have with Europe …

US for me.

You see, I think the exact opposite. I always think the "special relationship' is doomed to failure because we're far more European than we realise. I certainly feel more at home in France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Holland or Greece than I do in Australia or I would in the US, despite the language issues.

What a delightfully thought provoking question Paul! To begin with, I'm drawn to the US, but I really should consider it a little and then post something of substance. I shall return....