IN ALL the furore caused by the UK’s referendum to leave the EU, one of the issues that seems to have been overlooked is what could happen to the countries within the United Kingdom when we leave.

In Northern Ireland the majority vote was to stay but the NI government was happy to go with the majority to leave. This has caused a big problem regarding border controls that would be imposed between the North and the Irish Republic which nobody wants, or seems able to resolve.

In view of the fact that Sinn Fein has had such success in the recent elections in NI, they may decide to leave the UK and become part of the Irish Republic.

In Wales the majority vote was to leave even though Wales benefitted from EU grants more than any other part of the UK.

In Scotland most voted to stay, giving the Scottish National Party a heaven-sent opportunity to demand another referendum on independence and then to remain in the EU. If they are successful there would be border controls between Scotland and England, thus dividing two nations with the same values and language.

If these things happen it won’t be the UK leaving the EU but just England and Wales. Is this what we voted for on June 23, 2016?

The Conservative Party will have the unenviable reputation of the party that successfully dismantled the UK.

It is to be hoped that none of this will happen, but what if?

WA Vandersteen

Oliver’s Battery