I have been following this thread with interest and believe that you are right, Dave.

Like any divide and conquer strategy, the last thing the power elite want is for the working class of Britain to agree that they are all oppressed by those that own and control the means of production.

The fact is that the working class of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales have more similarities than differences. God help the upper classes if the middle and lower classes ever join forces. Better to keep them at each other's throats and emphasize religious differences.