So England lost its independence in 1707 did it?
Which bit of England?
The UK has for a long time been run by, and for the benefit of people in south east of England.
A recent pole asking the people of England if they wanted regional government returned results for most regions at roughly 70% for and 30% against, all except (surprise surprise) the southeast, which voted 70% against.
Nothing new here; the south east already has a regional government its called Westminster.
PP