Scottish independence - could Britain break up?

Scotland exports about 60% of its goods to the rest of the UK, showing how economically connected they are.
Some people argue Scotland spends more public money than it raises in taxes, so it benefits financially from the union.
Devolution gave Scotland power over areas like health and education but Westminster still controls defence and foreign policy.
The creation of the Scottish Parliament was expected to weaken nationalism but instead gave nationalists a platform to demand more powers.
The SNP winning a majority in the Scottish Parliament in 2011 allowed them to push for an independence referendum.
Brexit increased support for independence because 62% of Scottish voters wanted to remain in the EU.
Leaving the UK could create a hard border between Scotland and England which could disrupt trade.
Some supporters of independence argue Scotland could grow its economy better if it controlled its own economic policy.
Businesses worry independence could create extra bureaucracy and trade barriers similar to Brexit issues.
Westminster must approve a second independence referendum, which creates political conflict between the UK and Scottish governments.

The legacy of the Good Friday Agreement 25 years on

Around 3,500 people were killed during the Troubles before the peace agreement.
Secret meetings took place between governments and groups linked to violence to help negotiations succeed.
The British government talked with Irish republicans while the Irish government also contacted loyalist groups.
US involvement helped push the agreement forward, including pressure from President Bill Clinton.
Unionist leader David Trimble faced strong opposition from within unionism for supporting the agreement.
The agreement required paramilitary groups to give up weapons and move away from violence.
Northern Ireland’s government must share power between unionist and nationalist parties.
The political system allows the largest unionist and nationalist parties to veto decisions.
This system helped secure peace but has also caused repeated political deadlock.
The Northern Ireland government has been suspended several times due to disputes, recently over Brexit border arrangements.

Blair argues devolution had already been debated for over a century before it was introduced.
He says without devolution the UK might already have broken apart earlier.
One weakness was assuming devolution would stop demands for independence completely.
Brexit strengthened nationalist arguments because Scotland and Northern Ireland mostly voted to remain in the EU.
Blair claims the lack of a strong political opposition in Scotland allowed the SNP to dominate politics.
The SNP can blame Westminster for problems while still running the Scottish government.
Blair believes economic integration between Scotland and England would make independence difficult.
He says the union must appeal emotionally as well as economically to remain strong.
Simply promoting symbols like the union flag will not strengthen the union on its own.
Blair suggests stronger UK wide political debate and cultural links between nations could help maintain the union.