Scotland votes on 18 September.

Unraveling the potential mess that will follow a divorce in the Scottish vote for independence will be a nightmare. The programme last night tried to answer the question - introduced by Andrew Neil on BBC Two Scotland Votes: What's at Stake for the UK? The issue that has not been sufficiently addressed was the problem of the Polaris nuclear submarines post the vote. This is the 'talisman' that has underpinned all British governments from WW2 to the present day. What will happen if we have to move these weapons of 'mass destruction'? Can they be moved to somewhere else in the UK or will it mean the end of our nuclear ability? The US has spelled out their resistance to the idea of us not being members of this exclusive club. It would necessarily mean a diminution of our role in the international world. That would include our membership as a permanent member of the UN, the G7, our place in the European union and the Commonwealth. We would not ever again be able to 'punch above our weight' but be on the ropes for good or ill. What effect would this have on our collective sense of ourselves in England when one part has been amputated? How will this impact on Wales and Northern Ireland? Would it bring into force a desire for a greater push for their independence? How would we react to that? And what about our own independence - would we want our own parliament? All this is an unknown country for the constitutional experts, the legal case could go on for ever. Lets hope they vote 'No' in September and stay part of the same family. For the very reason that clearing up the mess it would other wise cause. Anything for a 'quiet life'.