I did emphasise that economically we could not exist separately.
There is no doubt that in time Scotland will gain it's independence and probably so will Wales. The division of the Union is to some extent probable.
As you say there are many small European states that are " Independent".
However what has happened in the 20th century is the growth of the EEC.
Under the European umbrella, small states can support their own identity, laws and at one time finances.
Now however we are all influenced by the European laws and the Euro.
Yes! Once Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have left the Union then England too will be Independent.
But the ineteresting question will be, independent of what? Certainly not Europe.
Since we will have lost the identity of Great Britian, England will have to sort itself out and try to enthuse the voting public towards a feeling of unity and belonging.
We will be just another small European State which like Scotland , Wales, Monaco and Lichenstien all of which are financially and politically dependent on Europe.
It may be argued that as a Union we would have more power within the European political engine.
Scotland is well on it's way to independence... but .....do they want to be just another small EEC state or part of a larger more influential EEC member?
The answers are yet to be seen.
Unfortunately if or when these changes happen, the vast majority of English people will suddenly find their Constitution changed, laws changed, economic systems changed and with the feeling of national identity lost, we will be just another bit of Europe, quirky, insular and still besotted by our weather!