In a word, no.

Isn't California bankrupt?

Are you talking about the first post (here) or Dickens?

I think in many respects it already is. Higher salary levels, own police and transport systems, own congestion charge

It's called "Scotland", I believe.

After living in Central England, London Suburbs and Scotland I've also come to the conclusion that the best way to improve the whole UK economy is to get the focus off of London. There are some amazing places to live all over the UK but the jobs just aren't there. If companies moved out of london they would have more loyal, happier employees who could actually afford to buy a house locally. The london salaries don't really match the inflated cost of living. With local airports, trains, etc.. there is no reason for companies to sty in London. I know where we were in Scotland there are beautiful offices and facilities standing empty. Its an absolute shame!!!

1984, more like it.

Too true. Everything seems to be focussed on London. The tourists go there, the businesses go there. And they all complain bitterly about the high prices and poor quality of life. Many of the smaller UK cities are just so much more beautiful and pleasant and affordable than London and many people would happily move there if only there were comparable jobs (or indeed if people outside the UK were more aware these places existed).

I remember the last time London exercised "Home Rule." As often with these tin pot republics, inevitably a dictator emerged to rule the roost. It was a disaster. Even Londoners were dancing in the streets the day Margaret Thatcher launched her counter revolution, abolishing the GLC and returning democratic power to Westminster and the London Boroughs.

Monaco, Lichtenstien, Luxemborg, Singapore......I am not seeing any long term issues with these places yet.

California is a city??? I thought it was a state that had cities in it?

Hear hear! I would not live in any of the other cities in the UK if you paid me but some are quite nice. You are perfectly right thought that to survive the UK needs to reboot it's production and agricultural economies around the country and become productive again.

Ssssshhhhhh!!!!!!!


That information is on a strictly need-to-know basis - we don't want all the bootless and unhorsed trying to get in here

For a preview, read Sue Townsend (of Adrian Mole fame) 'The Queen and I' - about the whole of the Royal family being sent to live on a Council Estate in Leicester, the Republic having been declared. Very funny. Only 2 coped well- guess who?

I don't think Leicester is part of London, though...

Not quite, true - which is why I said a taster of a Republic in England.
Sue Townsend taught English at a very normal Leicester Comprehensive until she rose to fame with Adrian Mole.

Yeah, but this thread isn't about a republic in England.

I'm guessing there would still be a place for frontaliers, tho'??


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Londoners have always said that anything north of Watford doesm't count, so in a way t was always a city unto itself- it had nothing to do with Thatcher, she was a Grantham lass, who never cared much for Londoners.

I love London. I couldn't live anywhere else in the UK, it has always been the place to be. I like Northern people, but London is so exciting, bigger and better than anywhere else. I think it is the most beautiful capital in the world. My nephew has taken the 'knowledge' and anyone of my family there can act as tour guides. Now my sister tells me that the UK is becoming a third world country, I say that is impossible. I moved to London for work twice, I tried returning to the North, but there were limited opportunities. My whole family moved, each independently, for the same reason. It's the North/South-East divide. It cover from Watford (to the north) to the south coast. Anywhere within commuting distance to London and it's always been that way.

However, I heard a very worrying report (this could open a can of worms) which I really hope is not true, but it was on NPR! the program was about the fight to establish Sharia controlled zones, no go areas for non-Muslims. I was relieved to see another side during the riots in London, to see Muslims (such as the father of man that was killed in a hit and run) who advocate integration, peaceful resolution and willingness to work with the police.

Sorry this is totally untrue. I was in London at the time, very appreciative of the GLC, it was a mess when they disbanded. The schools were heavily affected, no longer integrated, it was difficult to share resources and limit costs like before.

Before teaching in London schools ( both inner and outer) I worked in teaching hospitals they were also hit.

Just like with British Gas, Maggy Thatcher Milk snatcher sold off the nation's assets. She took publicly -owned assets privatized them and sold them off, so filling the coffers and giving the illusion of profit. County hall was sold to the Japanese. My sister belongs to a very nice spa/ fitness center there.
The GLC under new Labour was replaced with the GLA.

Red Ken, the rasist bigoted violent nob end that ruined London twice. Freaking communist toss pot that the world would have been better off if he had followed his true skill level and become pond freaking scum!

Blimey - feeling better now?

Sheesh!!!! This thread is about the putative Republic of London!

Everything does not have to boil down to a Muslim (Moslem)-themed debate, hoppy. Keep it on topic -- please!