Eddie Bone: Scots should back calls for a parliament for England

Published on Thursday 26 January 2012 00:00

THE Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) report released this week revealed the growing discontent within England about devolution in the rest of the UK. In the Campaign for an English Parliament’s view, this is very much a case of about time.

For too long English identity has been suppressed by a British government hungry for the international weight the United Kingdom provides.

Before the first instances of devolution some 13 years ago the concept of Englishness had been derided through the surreptitious manipulation of the media and local government: councils that banned the St George’s Cross; school curricula that made no mention of English history; products made in England but labelled as British. Examples of this deliberate undermining of English identity are countless and stretch back decades. Surprising, then, that most people in England now regard themselves as English before British.

It was also observed that, at 36 per cent, too few in England supported the concept of an English parliament. Well, it should be noted that the first time the Scottish were asked if they wanted their own parliament in 1979 only about a third of the electorate bothered to vote, and then only half of those were in support. It took many years of campaigning before Scottish Nationalists finally got what they wanted.

The north/south divide in England was highlighted as a major factor for the so-called confusion about English identity. Certainly there is a deep sense of rivalry amongst the English, centring on the capital, London. But surely this is not unique to England? It is an assertion that could just as easily be put to the Scottish, Welsh, Irish and many other countries around the world.

What really comes out of the IPPR report is that the English are awakening, and we expect them to unite in due course around the demand for an English government, first minister and parliament. An English parliament would give England the voice it sorely lacks, and who better than a Scot to appreciate that basic right? The Campaign for an English Parliament urges Scotland to support us in our pursuit of democratic equality.

• Eddie Bone is chairman of the Campaign for an English Parliament

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Broon Bairn

Thursday, January 26, 2012 at 11:57 AM

While we wish England well in its search for a new and relevant political identity, Scotland can't (and shouldn't) tell its people how best to arrange their affairs. Similarly, the converse should apply in our case.

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Independence for England

Thursday, January 26, 2012 at 10:52 AM

"It was also observed that, at 36 per cent, too few in England supported the concept of an English parliament". Other polls have shown up to 70% in favour of an English Parliament with no non English constituency MP's sitting in it. A Parliament that deals with English matters only. It needs to be put to the test of a referendum after a proper debate. Remember John Prescott quoting opinion polls showing massive support for a NE England relected regional assembly? When the referendum was held 78% said no! So a referendum in England could find a majority in support of an English Parliament! So let's have one? What are the government scared of? I know what they are scared of. A YES vote!

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samcoldstream

Thursday, January 26, 2012 at 09:35 AM

England has a parliament? Its called Westminster. After the Boundary Commission proposals come into effect there will still be an overwhelming number of English MPs compared to the combined number from the other Home Nations. Westminster will always represent England's interests and it would be very naive of voters in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales to believe otherwise. Today, it is alleged that the cost of the London Olympics has increased by a further £2,5 billion. Despite denials by London Mayor Boris Johnson, and the Sports Minister Hugh Robertson, the "English Parliament" will ensure that the London Olympics receives all the funds it requires.

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