It is the morning of 5 July 2024, the day after the general electionIn the UK, when an election is held for all 650 members of the House of Commons. One must take place every five years. . The news cuts away for a shock announcement: ScotlandA country that is part of the United Kingdom. It covers the northern part of the island of Great Britain. has broken away from the United KingdomA country in Europe made up of the whole of the island of Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) and Northern Ireland, the northern part of the island of Ireland. .

Could it happen? Some Scottish nationalistsPeople who want Scotland to be an independent country. are hoping so. They think if pro-independence MPsMembers of Parliament. MPs are elected to represent people in 650 different geographical areas.  win most Scottish seats, then the country should declare independence.

Would it be a good idea? Scotland and England have been united since 1603, when James VI of Scotland became James I of England.

At times, the union has been brutal. English politicians got rid of the Scottish House of StuartA royal house of Scotland that ended in 1714. in 1689. Many Scots were killed.

Then in 1745 Scots rose up and invaded England. British leaders pushed back, and tried to stamp out Highland culture. They even banned the kiltAn item of clothing similar to a knee-length skirt, traditionally worn by Scottish Highlands men. .

Supporters of independence say England has kept Scotland poor. Scotland has a lot of oil, but per person, it is poorer than England.

They also argue Scotland and England are too culturally different. Scottish people wanted to stay in the European UnionA political and economic union of 27 countries. - people from England helped to vote them out.

Yet pollsWhen people are asked what their opinion is on a certain topic or who they are voting for in an election. suggest 55% of Scots do not want independence. Research has found Scotland would be £11bn poorer every year outside the UK. And there was a referendumA direct vote by the population of a country on a particular law or issue. only 10 years ago - and Scots voted no to leaving the UK.

Should Scotland leave the UK?

Yes! Scottish people should be able to run their own country without English politicians' say. Scotland has lots of oil - it could be a very rich country.

No! Researchers say Scotland would be poorer without the UK, and that it would have fewer friends around the world. Scottish people have already said no to independence.