Devolution can be the answer but cleverly navigating this issue can help settle this question for good while the numbers supporting independence are still low but not by being/seeming overly confident. On the other hand I believe – as was the case in the Catalunya independence movement in – that this is ultimately a decision for the people of each region to decide while fully understanding long term ramifications of independence vs. devolution. Particularly in this day and age where economic power is a key leverage point independence creates
- economic friction
- disrupts integrated markets
- undermines social cohesion in forcing people to choose hard identity
- alienate minorities who don’t fit into the dominant cultural narrative, and
- strain personal relationships among friends and families.
So plenty of considerations to think about..
Just a thought….