Yeah, but it's used as a shorthand for the full name of the UK: "The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland". If Northern Ireland leaves, that makes it "The United Kingdom of Great Britain". If Scotland leaves, that makes it ... what exactly? The United Kingdom of England and Wales? I guess they'd also have to change the flag but I'm not sure what a cross between the English and Welsh flags would look like.

Sorry got it backwards :-) no U or B

You're mistaken. We became Great Britain when England and Scotland unified. When all the peripheries split off again, it'll be back to good old England with John Bull, warm beer and less jobs.

Scarblac is correct. We became the United Kingdom.

Oh very funny, and not particularly accurate. Ptolemy used the term Great Britain (μεγάλης Βρεττανίας) for the large island in 147AD, long before Scotland or England existed. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Britain#Derivation_of_.2...

The large island is Great Britain. When the top bit splits off (that's Scotland btw) the bit left won't be 'the large island'.

If you're confused I suggest reading my first comment again...

I trust that you always refer to the Republic of China too, rather than Taiwan?

Personal attacks and uncivil comments generally are not allowed on HN. Please edit the nastiness out of what you post here, regardless of how wrong anyone else is.

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