The BBC has just undertaken an extensive survey to discover the extent to which people are proud to be English. No great surprise in finding out the highest levels of pride reside with those who voted Brexit and the old. 72% of people over 65 were proud to be English compared to 45% of 18-24s. Just over half (52%) of Leave voters back an English Parliament whilst the figure drops to 32% for those who voted Remain. The cities are more wary of English pride and, again unsurprisingly, levels of pride fall the closer you get to London.
But interestingly, 80% of English residents identify with being both British and English although identity in being British resonates most strongly with those in London, ethnic minorities generally and the young.
So how can we capture these characteristics positively, particularly what it means to be British? This has never been more important as we leave the EU and probably the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice. To remain liberal in our instincts and outward looking in our approach, let alone maintaining a United Kingdom, confidence in our identity is crucial.
Now is the time to begin a debate about a written constitution. Politicians mostly avoid this, placing it in the ‘too difficult, no consensus, no votes in it’ box. But it is different now.
We have abortion and gay marriage in Northern Ireland and the ailing House of Lords, ripe for reform, to name but a few issues dominating the airwaves at the moment. Then there is the whole debate surrounding the merits of a multi-cultural society, perceived as a threat which drove many to vote Brexit. In an age of devolution with Scottish and now English nationalism also on the rise, defining being British is more urgent than ever.
A written constitution which outlines our basic rights and values and encompasses House of Lords reform could be a unifying force not one of division. It may be the one advantage from leaving the EU which rejuvenates the UK. Of course, it would take brave, principled politicians to start the debate. Umm…back to the drawing board…
Inside Right Politics 