Was this the moment UK stumbled out of Europe?

Commentary feature in which writer suggests that UK Prime Minister Cameron’s inept strategy as regards the European Union threatens two unions - the UK as a member of the EU AND that of Scotland within the United Kingdom.

Much of the Conservative party now speaks the language of English nationalism – driven to fury by Europe and increasingly driven out by the voters from Britain’s Celtic fringes.

This suits no one more than Alex Salmond. As Tory MPs demand a referendum on Europe, the Scottish National party leader promises one on Scottish independence.

English nationalism feeds Scottish nationalism. The more a Tory-led government in London detaches Britain from Europe, the more easily the pro-European SNP points to a divergence of English and Scottish national interests.

ESO: Background information: Cameron’s catastrophic decision on EU http://www.europeansources.info/record/camerons-catastrophic-decision-on-eu/

The Guardian, 14.1.12: “Devo max” – the formula that could save the UK (via PressEurop) http://www.presseurop.eu/en/content/article/1391091-devo-max-formula-could-save-uk

BBC News, 13.1.12: Salmond asks Cameron and Clegg to Scotland to talk independence http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-16535290

http://www.bnegroup.org/ http://www.bnegroup.org/

Business for New Europe: Press Release, 14.12.11: The Way Forward http://www.bnegroup.org/media/press-release-the-way-forward/

Open Europe: Homepage http://www.openeurope.org.uk/

Open Europe: Press Release, 14.12.11: New ComRes poll finds that 69% of managers at UK finance firms support a British veto on EU financial rules even if it reduces access to the Single Market http://www.openeurope.org.uk/media-centre/pressrelease.aspx?pressreleaseid=184

Open Europe: Press Release, 9.12.11: Open Europe responds to conclusions of 9 December EU summit http://www.openeurope.org.uk/media-centre/pressrelease.aspx?pressreleaseid=183

ESO: Background information: Cameron stands by EU summit veto http://www.europeansources.info/record/cameron-stands-by-eu-summit-veto/

ESO: Background information: Euro loses its appeal for Scotland http://www.europeansources.info/record/euro-loses-its-appeal-for-scotland/

ESO: Background information: First Minister Carwyn Jones warns that David Cameron's European veto poses threat to Welsh interests http://www.europeansources.info/record/first-minister-carwyn-jones-warns-that-david-camerons-european-veto-poses-threat-to-welsh-interests/

SNP: Press Release, 12.12.11: PM pressed over failure to consult over EU veto http://www.snp.org/media-centre/news/2011/dec/pm-pressed-over-failure-consult-over-eu-veto

SNP: Press Release, 10.12.11: John Swinney says Cameron has failed on Europe http://www.snp.org/blog/post/2011/dec/john-swinney-says-cameron-has-failed-europe

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