WITH the Scottish vote on independence fast approaching, little thought or debate has taken place as to what will happen to England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

If Scotland votes “Yes”, Labour and the Liberal Democrats will lose a total of 52 seats (Labour 40, Lib Dems 11; the Conservatives hold one seat, six by the SNP, and one Independent.) These loses will make it harder for Labour to gain an majority in the 2015 General Election and this is worrying for democracy in our country.

This is why it is a pity that the Alternative Vote referendum in 2011 was not given adequate attention and debate. David Cameron decided to hold the referendum on the same day as the local elections.

As A.V. had been the main plank of the Liberal Democrats policy for a number of years, it was a missed opportunity that they did not threaten to pull out of the Coalition unless the referendum was held on a different day so that a sensible debate could take place.

There was no doubt at the time that Scottish Independence was on the cards. Because of this strategic error by the Liberal Democrats, if the Scottish people decide to break the union, the north of England will be subjected to another “Harrowing of the North” as England could have a perpetual Conservative Government.

It is time that the north of England pressed for regional government in order to protect its interests.

Tim Short, Chestnut Grove, Acomb, York.