Originally Posted by mrabody

I have never said I want a separate England, but don't let the facts get in the way of your argument. I am merely pointing out that based on the economics of the current arrangement England gains no benefit. The fact is Geoffrey, the people of England (and Scotland and Wales) are more likely to vote on pocketbook issues than on more distant matters such as Defence and Foreign Affairs. Therefore the perceived unfairness of the current arrangement is going to grow into an issue of large concern to English voters in the coming years. When it becomes generally known that elderly Scots do not have to sell their homes to pay for care and that it is English taxpayers who are keeping them in comfort and wealth - when people get angry about the fact that you can get treatment for macular degeneration in Scotland on the English taxpayers tab, but if you are English you will go blind, they won't take your lofty, dispassionate position on the issue.