Stokies have long dreamed of independence, a dream that was briefly fulfilled in 1974 when Stoke became an independent republic. But does Stoke’s case for independence rely on Stoke joining the European Union?
"If an independent Stoke was a member of the EU, then we would be part of the single market and free movement of labour across the border could continue, if Stokies wanted to look for jobs, that is," says Dave Murray of the Cobridge Tourist Board. "More importantly, we would be eligible for massive EU handouts."
However, it is far from certain that Stoke would be able to join the EU. The Spanish are currently blocking Kosovo’s accession to the EU. Why? Because the Spanish, who don’t even recognise Norway as a state, let alone Kosovo, fear the implications of a region becoming independent and then joining the EU. They worry that it would encourage Basque separatism.
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| A Spaniard hard at work |
"We have considered the possibility of declaring war on Spain," says Stoke councillor Nick Gifford. "Over the summer, there are literally thousands of Stokies in Spain at any given time on holiday. If they were to attack during siesta time, we could conquer Spain almost unopposed."
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