After a UK Supreme Court ruling in 2022 it became clear that Scotland is not in a voluntary union and cannot decide to leave it. Whilst the UK is a multi-nation state, it was shown that one nation is dominant – England. But was it ever a voluntary union?

James VI become James I 1603

James VI of Scotland takes English throne as James I – Scotland and England become individual sovereign states with a common Stuart king. Neither nation accepts James as “King of Great Britain”.  Acts of unification fail.  Trade failures force nobility to treaty negotiation.  Scottish commissioners are bought off to reach agreement.

Treaty of Union 1707

Scotland and England form political union as new multi-nation state “Great Britain”. The Jacobites fight to retain supremacy of Stuart kings. Jacobite defeat at Culloden: House of Hanover finally confirmed as supreme. “Clearance” of the Highlands.  Land grab and mass deportation.  Suppression of Scottish culture to secure Hanoverian power.

Act of Union 1801

Ireland added to the political union and multi-nation state renamed “United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland”. Growth of British imperialism and colonisation.  British Empire spans the world.

Anglo Irish Treaty 1921

Following the Irish war of independence the Irish Free State is established.  Northern Ireland opts out.

Formal name change 1927

“United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland” comes into being.

Statute of Westminster 1931

The Irish Free State is internationally recognised as independent.

Independence Referendum 2014

Following a UK vote to join the EEC, an independence referendum is held.  Scotland votes by small  margin to remain in UK, on the promise of staying in EU, and more powers.

Brexit Referendum 2016

UK votes to leave EU.  All areas of Scotland vote to remain.  Most additional powers not granted. Successive Scottish Governments favour independence. Brexit lies and UK dismissal of Scotland’s views are considered more here.

Supreme Court 2022

Confirmation by the UK Supreme Court that Scotland can not decide to leave the Union.