In England, Unionism is a political ideology which favours the continuation of some form of political union between England and the other countries of the United Kingdom (Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland). It is part of the wider British unionist movement and is closely linked to the notion of Britishness. Unionism in England is characterised by both opposition to England’s independence as a separate state and the belief that Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland should continue to be constituent countries of the Union.