RE: Bad news for UK: Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland seek to join the EU without England.

Interesting. Just looked up sentiment in the UK as a whole for rejoining the EU, and the polls show strong inclination in that direction. Here's an article from the Independent with a map showing areas of support for this reunion. https://www.the-independent.com/news/uk/politics/eu-uk-brexit-poll-rejoin-europe-b3052436.html

I think you can't ignore Trump's destabilizing effect on this desire to be part of a larger economic bloc. Even Canada is exploring 'associate' membership. With the U.S. exiting the stage as a reliable partner, people are looking for cover. They can't stand alone on the world stage. While EU membership would have its issues, being alone, without a firm economic alliance, is a scary prospect.