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openDemocracy - EnglandOpen Democracy England:Britain and England: a case of split identity,Even more fundamentally, at the psychological and cultural level, as English people have started to identify as English rather than, or as much as, British, they have increasingly lost their faith in and commitment to the old British institutions that previously relied on their identification with Great Britain. In short, they start thinking of their ‘nation' as England and not Great Britain, and start to demand national-English civic institutions to express and represent that English national identity. (Indeed, polls consistently now show majority support for some sort of separate national-English tier of governance, ranging from ‘English votes on English matters' to full independence.) So there is a dual basis for the demand for an English parliament, which bloggers such as Gareth Young http://toque.co.uk/blog/ aka Toque and other sympathisers with that cause have elaborated: 1) democratic fairness within the overall British context; and 2) the need for civic institutions to speak for, represent and defend England as a distinct national community, its traditions and its culture.OurKingdom OurKingdom England UK oD Today Britishness Creative Commons normal Devolution England Englishness Author: openDemocracy Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:11:37 +0000 English nationalism vs British nationalism, , Gareth YoungPlease Note -If you are considering commenting on this article then please bear in mind the warning on the EDP's website:The EDP takes a hard line on anyone suggesting the English Democrats are racist and will seek legal remedy for anyone slandering the party in this way.OurKingdom OurKingdom europe Gareth Young OurKingdom England Author: Gareth Young Sat, 16 May 2009 17:02:55 +0000 Breaking-Up Britain ,A FREE download of Mark Perryman's opening chapter ‘A Jigsaw State' in Breaking Up Britain is available hereOurKingdom OurKingdom europe OurKingdom Britain Britishness Creative Commons normal England Englishness Author: openDemocracy Thu, 07 May 2009 11:49:49 +0000 Englishness is a cultural identity, , Paul KingsnorthOurKingdomOurKingdom europe Paul Kingsnorth OurKingdom England English Parliament Englishness Author: Paul Kingsnorth Thu, 07 May 2009 10:57:04 +0000 The English Revolution, , Tom GriffinTom Griffin (London,OK): In today's Guardian, Ronan Bennett looks forward to The Devil's Whore, Channel 4's forthcoming drama by Our Friends in the North creator Peter Flannery. The series promises a new portrayal of the upheavals of the English Civil War, with characters including the Leveller leaders, Thomas Rainsborough, John Lilburne and Edward Sexby.OurKingdom OurKingdom Tom Griffin OurKingdom England History Author: Tom Griffin Fri, 14 Nov 2008 16:05:30 +0000 This England, What England? (Gordon Brown and the denial of England), , Gareth YoungThe Government's response:OurKingdom OurKingdom Gareth Young OurKingdom England Gordon Brown Author: Gareth Young Thu, 13 Nov 2008 17:47:35 +0000 Nationalism and the English left, , Tom GriffinTom Griffin (London, OK): Ordovicius points us to Red Pepper, where Plaid Cymru Assembly Member Leanne Wood argues that English left have failed to respond to the challenges of devolution.OurKingdom OurKingdom Tom Griffin OurKingdom England Author: Tom Griffin Mon, 27 Oct 2008 15:57:32 +0000 England: Nation or not?, , David aka Britology WatchDavid (Cambridge, Britology Watch): I’d like to draw a new 10 Downing Street e-petition to the attention of OurKingdom readers. This reads as follows: OurKingdom OurKingdom David aka Britology Watch OurKingdom England Author: David aka Britology Watch Tue, 16 Sep 2008 08:28:06 +0000 Brown must recognise England's claim of right, , Gareth YoungGareth Young (Lewes, CEP): The Scottish Claim of Right of 1988 was signed by all the Scottish Labour MPs, with the exception of Tam Dalyell. In 1997, with the advent of the Labour Government of the UK, one third of that initial cabinet (8 out of 24) had signed that claim and were thus pivotal in influencing the Labour UK Government, which issued the white paper, the Scotland Devolution Bill 1998. OurKingdom OurKingdom Gareth Young OurKingdom England Gordon Brown Labour Party Scotland Author: Gareth Young Sun, 31 Aug 2008 23:49:05 +0000 The perils of a progressive English nationalist,Tom Griffin (London, OK): Over at Comment Is Free, Paul Kingsnorth reflects on his recent OurKingdom debate with Vron Ware, and re-states his left-wing case for English nationalism:OurKingdom OurKingdom OurKingdom England English Parliament Author: openDemocracy Tue, 26 Aug 2008 23:07:54 +0000 |
openDemocracy - ScotlandOpen Democracy Scotland:Referendum rethink - The Liberal Democrats and the future of Scotland, , Tom GriffinTom Griffin (London,OK):The SNP may not yet have the votes to get their planned independence referendum through the Scottish Parliament next year, but the proposal is certainly creating waves among their political rivals.OurKingdom OurKingdom Democracy and government UK ourkingdom Tom Griffin OurKingdom Creative Commons normal Scotland Author: Tom Griffin Fri, 09 Oct 2009 04:51:31 +0000 Where have all the Scottish radicals gone? (with apologies to Joan Baez), , Gerry HassanPlease Note -If you are considering commenting on this article then please bear in mind the warning on the EDP's website:The EDP takes a hard line on anyone suggesting the English Democrats are racist and will seek legal remedy for anyone slandering the party in this way.OurKingdom OurKingdom Gerry Hassan OurKingdom Creative Commons normal Scotland Author: Gerry Hassan Wed, 09 Sep 2009 09:40:38 +0000 Scotland independent?, , Gerry HassanA FREE download of Mark Perryman's opening chapter ‘A Jigsaw State' in Breaking Up Britain is available hereOurKingdom OurKingdom Gerry Hassan OurKingdom Creative Commons normal Devolution Referendums Scotland SNP Author: Gerry Hassan Fri, 04 Sep 2009 14:18:02 +0000 Salmond puts independence on the agenda, , Tom GriffinTom Griffin (London,OK): It's now official. The Scottish Government will bring forward plans for a vote on independence in 2010. Alex Salmond announced the Referendum Billin Holyrood today as the centrepiece of the SNP's newprogramme for government.OurKingdom OurKingdom ourkingdom Tom Griffin OurKingdom Alex Salmond Creative Commons normal Scotland Author: Tom Griffin Thu, 03 Sep 2009 20:39:16 +0000 Calman's Catch-22, , Tom GriffinTom Griffin (London,OK):Is there a fundamental flaw at the heart of theCalman Commission's proposals for devolution of tax powers to Scotland?OurKingdom OurKingdom ourkingdom Tom Griffin OurKingdom Creative Commons normal Devolution Scotland Author: Tom Griffin Wed, 12 Aug 2009 11:00:00 +0000 Calman report calls for 'Scottish income tax', , Tom GriffinTom Griffin (London,OK): The Calman Commission this week published its long-awaitedreport on the future of Scottish Devolution. Most attention is likely to focus on its recommendations for taxation, which could create a significant new divergence from the rest of the UK.The Commission calls for income tax to be reduced by 10p in the pound in Scotland with a commensurate reduction in the block grant from Westminster. The Scottish Government would have the option to make up the difference by setting its own income tax. One limitation is that the Scottish variation would apply equally at all rates. Holyrood would not be able to raise the top rate while leaving the standard rate unchanged, or vice-versa. Such a power would threaten the UK's 'social union' according to the Commission. This is one instance of a general theme in the report, the delicate balancing act between deeper and more accountable devolution, on the one hand, and the continued maintenance of the union on the other. <!--break-->In this the report reflects its origins. The Calman Commission was created by the Scottish Parliament after Labour, the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats outvoted the SNP minority government, which opposed the exercise because the option of independence was excluded from its remit. SNP Constitution MinisterMichael Russellwelcomed some of the report's proposalsfor greater powers for Holyrood, but argued that it did not go far enough. At present, we have a 'pocket money parliament' - under the Calman proposals, Scotland would have a Saturday job but the pay would be deducted from our pocket money. Scotland has to go much further than a system of the Treasury giving with one hand and taking away with the other - which is why the Scottish Parliament and Governmentneed fiscal autonomy and full financial powers. The report received awarmer receptionfrom Labour Secretary of State for Scotland, Jim Murphy: The UK Government agrees that financial accountability could be achieved by moving to a system where a greater proportion of the Scottish Parliament's budget comes from their own decisions. We welcome the Commission's model which provides a promising and well evidenced basis on which we can work with the Scottish Parliament and others to bring forward practical proposals. Labour, theConservatives, and theLib Demshave now set up a steering group to take forward the report's recommendations. That means, asBrian Taylornotes, that it is likely to form the basis of UK government policy whoever wins the next election. Together with the Scottish Government'sNational Conversation, the Calman report forms the basis for a struggle between two competing visions of Scotland's future over the next few years. OurKingdom OurKingdom ourkingdom Tom Griffin OurKingdom Scotland Author: Tom Griffin Mon, 15 Jun 2009 23:28:55 +0000 Dìomhair *,Death of the Scottish Press Scottish budget voted down, , Tom GriffinTom Griffin (London,OK): Breaking news from Holyrood:OurKingdom OurKingdom Tom Griffin Live from the IACC Scotland Author: Tom Griffin Wed, 28 Jan 2009 18:15:10 +0000 SNP seeks budget deal, , Tom GriffinTom Griffin (London,OK): An interesting situation is developing in Scotland, where the SNP minority government is trying to get its budget through the Holyrood parliament. Last year's spending plans got through because of Labour abstentions, but that may be less likely this time around. OurKingdom OurKingdom Tom Griffin OurKingdom Scotland Author: Tom Griffin Fri, 09 Jan 2009 12:55:29 +0000 Calman, shared social citizenship, and the defence of the union, , Tom GriffinTom Griffin (London,OK): Over at Unlock Democracy, Deputy Director Alexandra Runswick warns the Calman Commission against considering Scottish devolution in isolation from the wider UK constitutional settlement.OurKingdom OurKingdom Tom Griffin OurKingdom Devolution Scotland Author: Tom Griffin Tue, 02 Dec 2008 18:45:43 +0000 |
openDemocracy - Northern IrelandOpen Democracy Northern Ireland:A new leader for the SDLP,Tom Griffin (London,OK):The SNP may not yet have the votes to get their planned independence referendum through the Scottish Parliament next year, but the proposal is certainly creating waves among their political rivals.OurKingdom OurKingdom OurKingdom Creative Commons normal Ireland Northern Ireland Author: openDemocracy Fri, 25 Sep 2009 11:03:32 +0000 Tories undeterred by bumpy start in Northern Ireland, , Tom GriffinPlease Note -If you are considering commenting on this article then please bear in mind the warning on the EDP's website:The EDP takes a hard line on anyone suggesting the English Democrats are racist and will seek legal remedy for anyone slandering the party in this way.OurKingdom OurKingdom ourkingdom Tom Griffin OurKingdom Conservative Party Ireland Northern Ireland Author: Tom Griffin Thu, 21 May 2009 18:53:01 +0000 Wild Catastrophism to Mild Moderation in Northern Ireland, , Arthur AugheyOut of the mouth of historyOurKingdom OurKingdom europe Arthur Aughey OurKingdom Britishness Northern Ireland Author: Arthur Aughey Thu, 07 May 2009 09:55:38 +0000 Racism in Northern Ireland, , Damian O'LoanTom Griffin (London,OK): It's now official. The Scottish Government will bring forward plans for a vote on independence in 2010. Alex Salmond announced the Referendum Billin Holyrood today as the centrepiece of the SNP's newprogramme for government.OurKingdom OurKingdom Damian O'Loan OurKingdom Northern Ireland Author: Damian O'Loan Tue, 21 Apr 2009 13:21:11 +0000 An Irish lesson for the Middle East?, , Tom GriffinTom Griffin (London,OK):Does the Irish peace process have lessons for the Middle East? Many of the key players in the Good Friday Agreement seem to think so. Tony Blair has cited the precedent as cause for optimism in his role as Quartet Envoy, while Gerry Adams called for inclusive negotiations during his visit to Gaza last week. The analogy isn't universally welcome, however.OurKingdom OurKingdom ourkingdom Tom Griffin OurKingdom Ireland Northern Ireland Author: Tom Griffin Sat, 18 Apr 2009 13:04:55 +0000 The struggle for the soul of Irish republicanism, , Tom GriffinTom Griffin (London,OK):The agenda behind the dissident republican attacks of the past few days was acutely summed up yesterday by Irish News commentator Brian Feeney:OurKingdom OurKingdom Tom Griffin OurKingdom Ireland Northern Ireland Author: Tom Griffin Wed, 11 Mar 2009 01:27:30 +0000 Sinn Féin seek new alliance of the Irish left, , Tom GriffinTom Griffin (Dublin,OK): Gerry Adams called for a new alignment in Irish politics at the weekend,OurKingdom OurKingdom Tom Griffin OurKingdom Ireland Northern Ireland Author: Tom Griffin Mon, 23 Feb 2009 14:56:14 +0000 Consultative Group on the Past sparks unavoidable debate, , Damian O'LoanDamian O'Loan (Paris): Wednesday marked the launch of the much-hyped report of Northern Ireland's Consultative Group on the Past, including its “outrageous” proposal to award £12,000 to all victims of the Troubles, regardless of their, or their families', contribution to the conflict.OurKingdom OurKingdom Damian O'Loan OurKingdom Ireland Northern Ireland Author: Damian O'Loan Thu, 29 Jan 2009 17:16:23 +0000 90 years of Irish Parliaments, , Tom GriffinTom Griffin (London,OK): It is perhaps a fitting coincidence that, in the week when Barack Obama invoked the republicanism of Tom Paine, Ireland observed the 90th anniversary of its own 'Yes We Can' moment.OurKingdom OurKingdom Tom Griffin OurKingdom Ireland Northern Ireland Author: Tom Griffin Fri, 23 Jan 2009 17:09:50 +0000 SF don't believe Cameron 'attached to the union', , Tom GriffinTom Griffin (London,OK): A leading member of Sinn Féin dismissed the Conservative Party's latest foray into Northern Ireland politics during a visit to London at the weekend. Seanna Walsh, the head of the Sinn Féin Culture Department, said his party were not worried about the emerging alliance between the Conservatives and the Ulster Unionists.OurKingdom OurKingdom Tom Griffin OurKingdom Ireland Northern Ireland Author: Tom Griffin Mon, 19 Jan 2009 03:07:15 +0000 |
openDemocracy - WalesOpen Democracy Wales:What is the real case for more powers? , , Tomorrow's WalesTomorrow's Wales (Cardiff): The report in the Western Mail on Friday on Sir Emyr Jones Parry’s call for politicians to give concrete examples of laws they would like to see passed in order to better explain why the Assembly needs primary law-making powers raises some interesting question about what the Convention’s role is and how the case is best made forgiving the Assemblyprimary legislativepowers. OurKingdom OurKingdom Tomorrow's Wales OurKingdom Devolution Wales Author: Tomorrow's Wales Wed, 26 Nov 2008 13:06:26 +0000 Fiscal federalism, , John OsmondJohn Osmond (Cardiff, Institute of Welsh Affairs): Hints from the Prime Minister on future funding options for the Scottish Parliament are rare and usually Delphic in their meaning. So close attention was paid to Gordon Brown’s relatively unambiguous remarks on the theme in a speech delivered to a CBI Scotland dinner in Glasgow in early September. OurKingdom OurKingdom John Osmond OurKingdom Devolution Tax Wales Author: John Osmond Mon, 24 Nov 2008 14:10:29 +0000 A Labour-Lib Dem pact for Cardiff in 2011?, , Tom GriffinTom Griffin (London,OK): John Osmond brings us news of the debate in the Senedd that launched the Institute of Welsh Affairs' new book, Politics in 21st Century Wales. He suggests that, given some of the players involved, the event may turn out to be a preview of the coalition negotiations that follow the next Assembly election:OurKingdom OurKingdom Tom Griffin OurKingdom Labour Party Liberal Democrats Wales Author: Tom Griffin Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:34:42 +0000 Politics in 21st Century Wales, , Tom GriffinTom Griffin (London,OK): Labour must renew itself in West Wales, if it is to regain a dominant position in the Cardiff Bay Assembly. That's the message from First Minister Rhodri Morgan in his contribution to a new book from the Institute for Welsh Affairs:OurKingdom OurKingdom Tom Griffin OurKingdom Wales Author: Tom Griffin Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:22:43 +0000 One Wales coalition in jeopardy, , Tom GriffinTom Griffin (London,OK): The BBC reports on growing tensions in the Welsh Assembly Government over Westminster legislation that would give the assembly new powers on housing:OurKingdom OurKingdom Tom Griffin OurKingdom Wales Author: Tom Griffin Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:31:18 +0000 Mobilising the young: The lesson for Wales, , OurKingdomNo DevolutionOurKingdom OurKingdom OurKingdom OurKingdom Wales Author: OurKingdom Fri, 07 Nov 2008 13:38:36 +0000 Call for evidence on Welsh finance, , Tom GriffinTom Griffin (London, OK): The Independent Commission set up to examine the funding of the Welsh Assembly Government began its work this week.OurKingdom OurKingdom Tom Griffin OurKingdom Devolution Economy Wales Author: Tom Griffin Thu, 09 Oct 2008 12:34:03 +0000 Welsh democracy without ITV , , Geraint Talfan DaviesGeraint Talfan Davies (Institute of Welsh Affairs, Wales Watch): The more you look at Ofcom’s proposals for reducing ITV’s programming for the nations and the regions of the UK, the more you sense that the endgame for ITV is approaching. And it’s happening just when the clouds are gathering over our newspapers, too. These are unprecedented crisis years for the media in Wales. OurKingdom OurKingdom Geraint Talfan Davies OurKingdom Media Wales Author: Geraint Talfan Davies Tue, 30 Sep 2008 14:29:01 +0000 Welsh Assembly Members want law-making powers, , Tom GriffinTom Griffin (London, The Green Ribbon): Most Welsh Assembly members want the same law-making powers as the Scottish Parliament, a new poll has found. The survey for the Western Mail comes ahead of today's inaugural meeting of the All Wales Convention, which will examine the case for further devolution. OurKingdom OurKingdom Tom Griffin OurKingdom Devolution Wales Author: Tom Griffin Mon, 14 Jul 2008 13:14:44 +0000 Welsh NHS patients feel they are 'second-class citizens', , Tom GriffinTom Griffin (London, The Green Ribbon): A report from the Commons Welsh Affairs Committee looked at one of the most sensitive aspects of devolution this week, the impact on NHS services that have traditionally straddled the English/Welsh border.OurKingdom OurKingdom Tom Griffin OurKingdom Devolution England NHS Wales Author: Tom Griffin Fri, 11 Jul 2008 19:33:42 +0000 |
