We asked previously 'Why won’t Louise Haigh use the word ‘England’?'Here she is again refusing to say England, informing us that the National Transport Strategy (which applies to England alone - though she doesn't mention that) will 'get Britain moving'.Why would you say Britain when it only applies to England? Why Louise, why? What is … Continue reading Louise Haigh is at it again
Devolution has strengthened the Union
Has devolution strengthened the Union? This is what the politicians responsible for it said. The question is: is the UK stronger as a result of devolution or not? I think it is stronger, because people in Scotland say: 'Oh we have our parliament now, that is a fair settlement.' You will get the Tories and … Continue reading Devolution has strengthened the Union
Glossary: The English Question
In the island of Britain today there are three governments representing three constitutional and political bodies. There is the Scottish Parliament, there is the Welsh Assembly, there is the United Kingdom Parliament. They represent Scotland, Wales and the United Kingdom Constitutionally and politically just those three exist. Constitutionally and politically England does not exist. That situation, and its implications, constitutes the English Question.
Is English nationalism a far-right concern?
The claim that the Right or far-right have ownership of England’s symbols, the English narrative or English nationalism is an oft-heard trope. The far-right has not taken ownership of these things, it is the left and centre that has abandoned them. The difference between English nationalism and British nationalism does not lie in how attractive the far-right see them, it lies in the fact that mainstream politicians fly the British flag and articulate a plural, multicultural Britishness that prevents a far-right monopolisation of Britishness.
Rebuilding England: the case for an English manifesto
Have you ever wondered why no politician talks about rebuilding England? Why, when their housebuilding policies apply only to England, is it framed as 'Rebuilding Britain'? Why are commitments to build English new towns, ripping up England's planning laws and building on English grey belt framed as fulfilling the priorities of 'the British people'? How … Continue reading Rebuilding England: the case for an English manifesto
Why won’t Louise Haigh use the word ‘England’?
Can you imagine the minister responsible for potholes and buses in Scotland talking about Britain rather than Scotland? Can you imagine the minister responsible for those matters in Wales refusing to use the word 'Wales' and referring only to 'the country'? No, of course not. Why do we in England have to put up with politicians that won't say England?
Labour must keep its promise to consult on the future of the House of Lords
In an open letter to the Guardian last month, a group of democracy campaigners called on the government to announce a timeline for public consultation over House of Lords reform. We’re calling on the government to deliver on its manifesto promise of a proper consultation on the future of the Lords, including via a representative citizens’ assembly, … Continue reading Labour must keep its promise to consult on the future of the House of Lords
Flag Flying at Westminster
Westminster is often referred to as the English parliament but if that's the case then England must be the only nation on earth that doesn't have its national flag flying over its parliament. With this in mind I wrote to the Black Rod's Office and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) in 2004 … Continue reading Flag Flying at Westminster
The Upper West Lothian Question
You're probably all familiar with the term 'West Lothian Question'. It was first coined in 1977 by Enoch Powell in response to Tam Dayell repeatedly raising the point that a legislative Scottish assembly would create the unacceptable situation in which English Members at Westminster would be prevented from voting on Scottish health, education and other … Continue reading The Upper West Lothian Question
Home Rule for England
The photos below were taken following Power 2010.The Power2010 stunt was to publicise the release of their St George's Day 2010 press release which revealed that 68% agree with the statement: "England should have its own parliament with similar powers to those of the Scottish Parliament".The projection didn't last long because the police turned up and … Continue reading Home Rule for England
English Commonwealth 