Neil Oliver describes James VI of Scotland’s ascension to the English throne. He discusses James’s arrival in London and plans to unite Scotland and England as two equal nations, sharing a common religion, laws and citizenship.

Ask students to draft a manifesto speech for James VI’s vision for the new union, using the clip for context. Divide the class in two, one looking at the issues facing James as ruler of Scotland, the other considering those he faced as monarch of England. Bring the class back together and discuss which are common issues and where there is potential conflict in finding suitable resolution for both nations.