I grew up in Anglesey in the 1970's as the daughter of english in-migrants. I was the only english girl in my class whose family attempted to learn welsh, the majority language in our village, and we did so successfully, but were treated as outcasts by the many english settlers who were engulfing the area refused to learn the language and even attempted to change the language of the local school.

I am glad to say things are more harmonious now with settlers making more of an effort to fit in. Siarl's comments represent the norm of what has happened in rural Wales, with english people adopting a white settler attitude for many years. Nowadays they can't get away with it, and have to try to fit in. Diolch byth !

I sometimes don't think the english haven't a clue with regard to their patronsing attitudes towards the welsh and scots, and feel proud that I am mistaken for a welsh woman more often than not

Sue Smith, Holywell, , Wales

I think it's a great thing that the SNP has won the elections in Scotland. I have always thought it unjust that England conquered Scotland and almost successfully eliminated the Scots language. I've always had sympathy for Scotland because of that. I also have sympathy for Wales because of that too. Scotland should separate like Ireland did in the 1920s. Scots, Welsh, and Irish are some of the most beautiful languages in the world. It's a tragedy that the English governments of the past almost succeeded in eliminating these languages because of the governments' classist, racist policies.

Javier Valverde, Miami, USA

I absolutely agree with Neil C.s comments. The inbalance NL have created has resulted in a growing sense of injustice in England which it is hard to deny in any fairminded person. The Barnett formula needs to be reviewed at the very least. . Ten years ago I would not have been that bothered whether I ws classified as British of English , but now am definately English. I think the break-up of the United Kingdom in spirit if not in fact will be Tony Blair's legacy!

Lily, Cornwall,

"John Prescot is Welsh. "

Errr...surely not!

Martin, Hereford, England

Funny how defense of family and nationhood/ethnicity are derided by the woman as a man's thing. Why, violence is dangerous. Can't have that, lest some people get hurt. Mummy wants to make sure no fuzzy-wuzzy citizen of the Gwobal Viwage gets his feewings hurt.
Better to submit and bend over while a thousand plus years of history and nation-building go down the drain. Nationalism is a man's thing. Wake the hell up. Anything less is genocide.

T Pyne, Watsonville, CA USA

What Siari Davies, Raymond from Glasgow and Peter Thomson fail to understand is that the English people are not interested in their grievances. We have problems of our own with this Government and if the divorce of the UK means we are rid of Labour forever........ then, bring it on.

Scotland and Wales can take their 'freedom', fulfill their destiny and they have our best wishes in their endeavours. However, they will both need to find another national scapegoat once the English one is unchained.

Anna S, Peterborough, Cambs

My grandfather left Scotland in the early 1900s with thousands of other Scottish immigrants to seek his fortune in Toronto. He and his cronies use to argue passionately for Scottish nationalism. Now, in the third genration, nothing, other than my name, remains of my Scottish heritage. With wave after wave of immigrants having come to Toronto, from every corner of the globe, you come to the realize that you are a citizen of the world. If anything, I feel uncomfortable in any city or country where one culture dominates. The joy is in taking what you like from each culture and no one assumming what is appropriate. I fear that nationalism breeds intolerance.

Ian MacDonald, Toronto, Canada

Gangs are not necessarily a "male thing". Women bond in groups too,albeit a tad differently from men. Further, women's groups are not always the lady's sewing society either. I will agree that men seem to have a unique need or desire to form inclusive clubs, their football club, golf club etc that exclude women - "No girls allowed". But nationalism has much deeper roots that may take us all the way back to competing clans of primevil ages.

Mary Knight, Pittsburgh, USA

Nationalism in Scotland, Wales and Ireland for that matter would appear to mean "patriotic", whereas England's version means "superior".This is why the other nations of the United Kingdom are sick to the back teeth of being associated with England. Roll on 3rd May , the SNP gets my vote this time.

Raymond Borland, Glasgow, Scotland

The notion that Scots are suffering at the hands of a colonialist power is, of course, utterly ridiculous. It seems, however, to be widely believed in Scotland. This misconception will remain for generations after independence, as an excuse for any homegrown Scottish shortcomings.

What really is the point of the United Kingdom?

Steve, London,

Sairi Davies faills to mention that those Brummie people were tourists spending money in Wales - no doubt after encountering a celtic barrage they will refrain from visiting there again and instead holiday in Spain As an Englishman - I can't wait for the day when Wales and Scotland are independent. It will mean a substantial tax cut for us English - not having to subsidise their lives at the expense of our own. I'm not afraid to tell the Celts to go home and stay there - vote for independence then close the borders and we'll see who comes out the best.
Scotland can keep it's Mel Gibson Braveheart script - and live the lie it always wanted. First we need to shunt those Scottish Labour politicians back to the land of heather and skirts.

Tony Fellows, Birmingham, England

but it seems indisputable that most women don’t start wars of independence......And gangs, I need hardly point out, are male things.

Boudica, Charlotte Corday. Joan of Arc.Female teenagers in gangs and internet bullying appearing to be a predominantly a female gang activity.

Could Melanie Reid get out more

Jonathan Palmer, London , UK

Spot on Bob Jenkins!
Nationalism can be a good thing but as history has shown us it has been abused and promoted for all the wrong reasons. How many people have suffered all in the name of some aritfical construct called a "nation"?
I hold people who constantly thump on their nationalist credentials like Tarzan of the Apes in contempt. Their narrow mindedness, bigotry and willingness to kowtow to unplesant ideologies and beliefs for the sake of independence is repugnant.
Perhaps this is the best time to reflect on George Santayana's maxim: "those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it."

May, Edinburgh,

I don't really understand the SNP position that sees Scotland as a totally independent unit from the rest of the UK. Because it was 300 years ago hardly follows that it should be today. Scotland has benefited from centuries of inward investment, security and love lavished, not least from England, yet retains one of the strongest national identities in the world.

So why does the SNP exist? Sadly the only reason I can think of is latent racism. Salmond loves to talk about regaining national identity, but for almost half of Scots an independent nation means the destruction of their identity as Britons and all that stands for; fair play, tolerance and open mindedness. In place we get nationalists and their shared values; hatred, mis-information, small mindedness and distrust. The very picture of the little men in Melanie Reid’s article.

It is depressing to see the SNP pandering to self pitying xenophobes. Other parties may be bad, but at least they are not vindictive.

David, Dingwall, Ross Shire

Very well written and a very valid point. As a Scot who had worked in England I voted against the Devolution Bill as I knew it would not only be waste of money but the start of a slippery slope. Yogoslavia should serve as a warning to all sensible people. Once the Nationalist genie is out of the bottle it is impossible to put it back. Unfortunately the SNP are seen as the only credible opposition to Labour and may well increase their vote this time round. The Conservatives are nowhere and must be regenerated as soon as possible.

David, Edinburgh, U.K.

There is no reason Scotland shouldn't leave the Union. EU rules would keep trade brisk, they can set their own rules on tax etc. but most beautiful of all England would never suffer another Labour Government! Wales should do the same just to make sure. On a more serious note, it would give us all more control over our own affairs and weaken the power of corrupt politicians who feather their own nests with our tax. This isn't nationalism, just common sense. Never thought I'd say it but Thank God for devolution and Tony Blair.

Rick, Cambridge, England

hmm, I thought the British government was run by Scots. Tony Blair and Gordon Brown are both Scottish, John Prescot is Welsh.

Those are the three most powerful people in Government, so how you can blame the English for all your woes?

I do agree that NuLabour need to go, they have gone out of their way to ruin the UK as well as the rest of the so called UK.

A tysoe, Brit in Sacramento, CA

Personally i think,bearing in mind their oil is running out fast, the Scots are too dependent on English money to ever vote for independence from the union, which also might explain all the loud mouthed bigotry towards the English. It seems to me, to stem from a lingering resentment of their own inadequacies as a 'nation'. If the population of england and wales had any sense, they'd vote to exclude Scotland from the union, perhaps with a parting subsidy of several million copies of braveheart on dvd, then when the brave highland warriors have no money for the free higher education, pensions, and so on.. they can at least lift up their spirits with a rousing patriotic tale of victory in the face of unspeakable tyranny and oppression. Meanwhile the population of england who normally seem to think nationalists should be persecuted out of existence will probably have forgotten Scotland exists at all.

Vince L, London, England

Scotland can make up the "support" from England by the simple expedient of following Ireland's example - lower the tax and attract business and income.

As for England, I've lived here for many years now and have an English wife. Apart from it's politicians - a breed apart in any country - it's pretty much like any other country I've visited or lived in. Everyone is nice until the alcohol level gets too high and an "outsider" is spotted - then the outsider better run for cover ot face the consequences.

Certainly, no-one is immune from bigotry. However, all un-bigoted Scots and English (and Welsh and Irish) that I've ever met have lived in foreign countries or learned foreign languages - in other words they have come to terms with other peoples differences in custom, thought or both and have usually discovered that this doesn't mean giving up national or cultural identity.

KR, Stockport,

:o)

'a poll in the Scotsman'

and what political slant would that poll have??

Neil, Malaga, Spain

You're wrong on all counts, Melanie. I'm an English nationalist, a 71-year old woman, I couldn't be further from your idea of a 'testosterone-fuelled lager lout'. I don't 'despise' anybody, I love England, I love my English history and my heritage. Today we've been to Richmond Park and while in the area we visited the grave of Captain George Vancouver in St Peter's churchyard, Petersham. On Saturday we were enjoying an English afternoon tea in the Tiptree tea-rooms. At the weekend I'll be celebrating St George's Day by going to a coffee morning and then to a civic service in Rochford, Essex. On 1st May, if I was physically capable of it, I'd be taking part in the 'Justice for England' rally and march in Whitehall. I'm not physically capable of it, but my fellow-members of the Campaign for an English Parliament know that I'll be there with them in spirit.

God and St George for England!

Margaret Stoll, ROCHFORD, Essex, England

I agree with Melanie, it's the same in Wales. This year's 6 nations was an absolute embarrassment for us but because we managed to beat England every male I know was cock-a-hoop and acting like our team were champions.

Susan Ingram, Barry, S Wales

Simple really Peter Thomson: Westminster (specifically nuLabour) desparately needs Scotland - basket case or not - as without it there would never be another Labour government

Of course if you were to ask the taxpayer in the street, you would get a totally different answer!

Mike Bibby, St Albans, England -not EU

I wouldn't have thought Ms Reid was right to imply that Scots have a monopoly in bigotry, and in my experience it's certainly not right that normal, reasonable Scots hate normal, reasonable English people. Whenever I've been there on holiday I've liked the place and the people. I'm quite relaxed about their independence - if they really want it, why not let them have it? If anything it would be even more exciting for us English to think we were entering another country when we crossed the border.

Barry, Wallington, UK

Why is it that 100% of the Scots I have met hate England with a vengence buy only 25% of them want indepedence? Another thing... try having any sort of open conversation with a Scotsman about the English/Scottish relationships and within 2 minutes the Scot has descended into a wildly aggressive reactionary maniac. Try it and see what happens. I know it's my fault, I've got an English accent and I personally closed down all the coal mines and imposed the poll tax, I know its all my fault. I'm sorry I ever raised the subject, can't we talk about football?
And before you reply to this post saying I'm a typical stuck up Englishman who personifies everthing that you hate about England, listen I'm sorry I never wanted to affend you, I'll never make a post about Scotland again, I promise.

Jason White, paris,

Denise from San Franciso writes: "I seem to remember more violence and drunkeness from English soccer fans in the past 15 years than any other country." - You may remember this because that's all you've read. Perhaps the papers in the US don't bother to report about the rest of Europe but actually Italy and Turkey have a worse record for football violence than the UK and England is noted in Europe for its success in reducing football violence.

Anyway, about this debate in general, the Scots and Welsh care about this far more than the average English joe bloggs. Personally I couldn't care less if they were independent, or even if Scotland suddenly took over England and i had to call myself Scottish. Whatever name you give it, Welsh, English or Scottish it means the same thing. That you come from this cold, rainy island.

John, London,

Perhaps the smaller percentage of female enthusiasts for independence (let's not use the politically charged and misused 'nationalism' slur) reflects biological facts, viz that the female of the species tends to be more risk averse than the male. It is easy to pour scorn on male (or one of its variants - macho) behaviour, and taking risks is so non-pc in our feminised and sanitised society. It's the incessant mummying of society that stops initiative.

ian scott, london, UK

Simplistic article full of lazy stereotypes. Since when has bigotry been monopolized by nationalists? There are no doubt bigots in the SNP but there are thousands of Labour voters in Scotland who possess a similarly ugly tendency to unthinking anti-English chauvinism. I should know, I am English and until recently lived in Scotland (Ms Reid should go and observe attitudes in the rougher parts of Edinburgh and Glasgow some time). Low level anti-English stereotyping is present at all echelons of Scottish society. Nationalism can be a very positive ideology when construed as a justified desire for political self-determination - does Ms Reid seriously think that the Baltic states were wrong to want their independence from Russia for example? Nor does nationalism always result in violence or chauvinism - look at the Czech/Slovak split. The author also misses the fundamental point that it is too late: the Union died with Thatcherism.

JL, Paris, France

The UK (and the media) has to wake up to a simple fact it looks like the SNP will be the major party in the Scottish Parliament and Labour is going to loose it hegemony over the councils.

Many Scots will and are voting SNP as a message to Westminster - your tribal politics and policies have failed Scotland, we are fed up being identified as a 'dependency' and want the opportunity to stand on our own two feet.

If we are such a basket case country and economy surely Westminster would be pleased to see the back of us but they are not.. Begs the Question - Why?

Peter Thomson, Kircudbright, Scotland

The Czechs and Slovaks were, of course, not historical enemies, so there is a slight difference. Both these countries have their fair share of dumb-headed nationalists, however, who are usually fascists or racists (or anti-Hungarian in Slovakia). Sometimes there is a religious element to nationalism, as in the former Yugoslavia with RC Croatia and Orthodox Serbia (and Muslims in Bosnia etc.). It appears to me that nationalism in the Celtic fringes of the British Isles is often defined by what you are not, i.e. English. In Northern Ireland you are either not British, or, not Irish.

Andrew, Belfast,

Giving the Scots independence would mean the Labour party looses more than 50 seats at Westminster. Labour came second to the Tories in England in the 2005 general election so an independent Scotland would make it very difficult for Labour to win in an independent England.

Sorry, but whilst Labour are still in power at Westminster, it doesn't matter hopw many Scots want independence; you won't get the chance - it is not in the interests of the Labour party.

Kevin Egan, Chelmsford,

I have visited Scotland , from England , several times over the last few years . Leaving aside the occasional vociferous remark or threat levelled at me as soon as they hear my accent ( totally flabbergasted by this at first but then you realise its sort of normal )you are very aware of the anti Englishness and attitudes woven into every part of Scottish society , all classes and all professions , even the TV and certainly in every corner of politics .
Its just a given . No one seems to be able to do without it . Even those who make a special effort to be friends with the English still come out with those remarks . Sometimes I amuse myself with keeping a daily tally. You get used to the smiling hatred .

One thing is for sure , it has made me much more aware of being English . And I don't kid myself any more about Britishness .

John , London , England

What is meant by nationalism in fancy right-thinking metro circles is wanting power to be placed in local hands when it should rightly be transferred elsewhere to be exerted by those who know best how their inferiors should live.

The correct thinkers often fancy their chances of a nice position at the elsewhere.

The EU is a fine example.

Mike Newland, London,

All the people of England want is fairness, nothing more nothing less.

The Scots, Welsh and Irish(North) have all had an opportuntity to decide on devolved govt. We haven't.

Scotland and Wales spend more than they earn; England doesn't.

English sportsmen and women are called British, Welsh, Irish or Scotch sportsmen are not.

We are not allowed to have our own national anthem, we have to use the British one. The others have their own (excellent) anthems.

I can go on, but all we are after is EQUITY, that's all.

Neil C, Rugby, England

As an Englishman living near the border with Scotland I would be delighted to see England become an independent nation once again, the sooner the better.

I have no interest in the opinion any Scot has about we English. The sooner we are free of all of the countries that make up this "union" the better.

Believe me I speak for a lot of people this side of the border who are tired of the attitude of too many Scots. I hope they all vote SNP and go - taking all the Scottish politicians with them.

James, Northumberland,

"The population of the island has mixed and moved to form a monochrome genetic population"

This is simply untrue. There are numerous genetic studies which have been carried out in recent years, which perhaps you would like to read, which show a clear genetic distinction between the Germanic and Celtic elements in our population. Alternatively you could just watch the current - although admittedly rather facile - Channel 4 series "Face of Britain".

As for Siarl Davies - I am an Englishman, but one who comes from a border province with a close affinity with Wales, and I hold in the deepest contempt those English people who refuse to learn Welsh when they move to a Welsh-speaking area. Welsh is the native language of much of Wales, in the same way as English is the native language of those unfortunate enough to be born in Birmingham, and English incomers should respect that.

Martin, Hereford, England

Scotland for the scots, long live the beating heart of Bruce. All sounds rather nice thrashing the nationalist drum. Cant wait til the country is free to make its own mistakes, rather than prancing round the world like some great crusaders puppie.

Pedro, feldy, Scotland

Hildebrand, Banbury, UK :

"Scottishness and Englishness and Irishness and Welshness are of course social constructs. The population of the island has mixed and moved to form a monochrome genetic population "

Here in Ireland, we have been independant of Britain for c. 80 years, and we don't live on the island of Britain, we live on the island of Ireland. And independance has been good for us. Patriotism will always be the last refuge of the scoundrel, but the vast majority here view Britain with affection and admiration - from afar.

Dmk, LImerick, Ireland

There's a fine line between nationalism and racism as i have found out to my cost on many visits to both Scotland and Wales, albeit exhibited by a small minority.
Unfortunately the latter feeds off the former. Hopefully nationalism in England can continue to be mainly restricted to sporting events although with increasing levels on nationalism in the Celtic nations this may not be the case, the English possibly also adopting this 'small nation' mentality.

STEVE PATTYSON, MANCHESTER,

What a load of condescending, metropolitan claptrap. I doubt if the citizens of the Czech and Slovakian republics would agree with you description of nationalism as "a dark and macho business". The successful dissolution of Czechoslovakia in 1993 was not, as far as I can recall, accompanied by an upsurge of the "blokish bigotry" that you seem to be so exercised by.
Unfortunately, columnists of your ilk want to have their cake and eat it: enjoy the benefits of Devolution but retain the comfort blanket of the Union.
It may surprise you that many of us who live south of the Border are heartily fed up with the Scots and Welsh MPs voting on matters that should be none of their business; we are just waiting to vote for the party that advocates independence for England.

Mike, Carlisle, Cumbria

An independent Scotland would be the best thing ever to happen for Scots. A better analogy is the worry people go through when electing for self employment over employment. Independence will allow us to distance ourselves from war loving, war mongering, neo-con inspired Nu Labour, stop our dependency on London and allow us to follow the economic model of successful small powerhouses such as Ireland, Norway, Finland, Denmark and Switzerland. A free independent Scotland could become a political and diplomatic centre promoting peace and goodwill around the world, an offshore banking and investment centre based in Edinburgh, a medical and bio-technology centre of excellence specialising in stem sell research, a major EU oil and gas centre, specialists in golf tourism, ecological and climate change centre of excellence, develop the best universities - the list is endless. This is an exciting time for Scotland and I urge every Scot who loves their country to vote SNP for a brighter future.

Sam Iqbal, Edinburgh,

Wot about female suicide bombers?

Joel, Sydney, Australia

So Siari Davies because of one ignorant English Woman seem to think that rest of the English people are all the same...

Your post says it all.

Phil Hannah, Perth , Scotland

Scottish Nationalists come in all shapes and sizes, all 'racial' backgrounds, all levels of education, all FAITHS and none, from Scotland or world-wide, male and female, - a good cross-section of society. The party is an old-established one, not a recent phenomena, has one thing in common.
Tired of lies and mis-management of the country from Whitehall, they wish their country to have the same rights as any other country - independence for the country to be governed in the interests of Scotland.
Why anyone should feel that they have to self-impose exile on themselves is ridiculous. Perhaps you should take a look at your attitudes to other countries too where because of that you may be unwelcome as an individual. It amy surprise you to know, there are many English in the SNP - those who recognise countries right to independence expressed by the will of its people.

Sandra, Moray, Scotland

What scares me about Britishness is the old imperial power blowing the world to bits and treating Engalnd and it's people like the last of it's colonies. Perhaps the article could have paid more attention to what is so terribly wrong with the status quo and how we might move on to a more democratic and civilised society. The government has opened a Pandora's box with it's tinkering with the constitution and there is no point in blaming the ensuing change upon people who support change because the current settlement is unstable and has yet to reach it's conclusion.

Jonathan Allcock, Birmingham,

I hope the Scots get independence as it would mean English taxpayer saving £11.3 billion a year which goes to Scotland now. Scotland generates in tax £34 billion but spent £45.3 billion in 2003-4.

John, Salford, England

Strange view some south of the Border have of the Scottish Nationalists! They come in all shapes and sizes, all FAITHS and none, ethnic Scots and those Scots of more recent times, male and female, old and young - in fact a cross-section of Scottish people! Good, bad and ugly if you like, but a good cross-section.
So before you start categorising the SNP, think of that! The party is an old established party, tired of the lies emanating from Whitehall, who just want the right to be the same as every nation - independent.

Sandra, Moray,

"Gangs ...are male things..". Do you live in the same country as me? Have you been following the news this year from London about the violence amongst young people there?

Steve Bailey, Preston, UK

Scottishness and Englishness and Irishness and Welshness are of course social constructs. The population of the island has mixed and moved to form a monochrome genetic population - what are 'English' people living in Scotland? They are labelled such by the Scots. Never have we been made to feel more tribalised than by this New Labour experiment in exaggerating difference, pitting group against group by insisting on strong identites for each against the others.

Hildebrand, Banbury, UK

The 'nice' Scottish middle classes colluded with the almost racist New Labour anti-English hatred whipped up for political reasons during Labour's unelectable years when Scotland was their one power base. Nationalism will indeed lead Scotland astray, but the anti Englishness North of the Border is palpable, I can no longer go there on holiday and feel among friends. If you whip up hatred against a people, it takes a very long time to extract the poison. And what a fantastically good deal Blar and Brown gave to the Scots, free social care, better pay for nurses, no tuition fees, endless BBC jobs...and still they are not happy!

Ibn, Homerton, UK

If you want to know why men have the characteristics they do, read "Adam's Curse" by Brian Sykes. In earlier times aggressive men captured more resources and had better reproductive success (Ghengis Khan). Women who liked powerful men shared their reproductive success. Evoluton selects men who like power and women who like powerful men. Would a moderately attractive 24 year old commit fellatio on a moderately unattractive mddle aged man if he weren't President of the USA?

Steve, Odessa, Ukriane

England surely wears the crown for lager lout nationalism, as I seem to remember more violence and drunkeness from English soccer fans in the past 15 years than any other country. Whilst putting down someone because of their race or accent is wrong, England is also guilty of this offence. Recall the British Empire, and consider that Scotland might just be another colony desiring autonomy from the oil squeezing grip of an unwelcome conqueror. Hmmm, sounds familiar, doesn't it?

Denise McAllan, San Francisco, CA

It's every man's (or woman's) right to have pride in their country of origin, but, fuelled by the unceasing momentum of our materialistic society versus the decline of moral guidance, basic civility is reversing back towards the dark ages. The vicious, sadistic brutality that was thrown up in the Balkans by the break up of Yugoslavia could very easily happen here, albeit on a much lesser scale. Let us not forget the ongoing divisions in Ulster. I'm a proud Englishman, but I despise nationalist politicians as much as the left wing fools who tried to eradicate "Britishness" in favour of the "multi cultural society" pipe dream. Now we have a Britain of fragmented communities, and with Scottish and Welsh parliaments, but no English parliament! The scene is set. We'd best all beware.

Bob Jenkins, Telford, England

Views such as those described here are not the prerogative of Nationalists. You are as likely to hear them voiced amongst members of all the other political persuasions, and none. T^o use them to tarnish the one party which actually does most to root out and tackle the anti-english tendency is yet another attempted smear as unionists in scotland come to terms with a possible nationalist victory.
It also ill becomes thoses whose terms of endearment for our colleagues in Europe include Krauts, Wops and Frogs to try to divert scottish opinion by the casting of aspersions. Get your own house in order before trying to sort out ours

John Hughes, Dundee,

Nationalism is not just male dominated, its white male dominated. Behind Alex Salmonds cheery manor are some unpleasant and outdated attitudes. They're like a cross between UKIP and Sinn Fein

A break up of the union would be like a bad divorce but the Nationalists have Braveheart on endless rotation and don't care. I actually think its more to do with the weather, always seeing that the temperature in London is 4-5 degrees warmer is going to annoy people. If they split then they can ignore us more easily and not be reminded

Adrian, London,

Interesting debate. I wouldn't have thought that secessionism would be so rampant in the UK. But, as an American, I tend to view (rightly or wrongly) the UK as an homogeneous unit. I fear that most American's---possibly myself included---wouldn't be able to tell an Englishmen from a Scot from a Welshmen just from general appearance or accent. The United States ended its debate on secession rather bloodily over 150 years ago: the Union is permanent and a collection of states became a Nation. I trust that the British will find a more civilized solution to their debate on their union.

Dr. J. Lusk, Lincoln, Nebraska, United States

We should never assume that any of us are immune from becoming bigots. Melanie Reid should remember that between 1979 and 1991, nationalism wore a skirt and a handbag.

And as for Siarl Davies - well, Siarl's post speaks for itself.

Tim Saunders, Auckland, New Zealand

Patriotism is right handy when the guns begin to roar.
And there are no shortage of see it and grab it countries in the making.
Still you may have peace in your time.

john cramer, strathfield, australia

Anti-English sentiment Is flourishing. This is a GOOD thing. If it grows enough I may see an independent England governed by Englishmen and without the burden of subsidising Scotland.

Ed Moran, London, England

Mmmm bigots ? could never happen here ! Well I remember sitting in a pub in Dolgellau (a town in Wales where most people speak Welsh as a matter of course) and heard an english woman complain about the language used by the locals. Cue Crossroads style strangulated brummie vowels'Corr they keep jabbering on loike pahkistahnees'..Two racist prejudices for the price of one.

The English seem to adopt a prolier than thou attitude to its first conquests when it comes to prejudice, and assume that nasty Scots (or Welsh) Nats are all bigots, but then what are theUnionist parties other than English or Britsh Nationalists ? Until commentators start to advance the idea of dismantling the nation state altogether it is a little rich to constantly link Scots (or even Welsh) nationalism to prejudice and extremism, as the same commentators never seem to consider that 'Britishness' in reality is just a synonym for English expansionism. We mainland celts should be praised for our restraint !

Siarl Davies, Abergwaun, Sir Benfro, Cymru