The original plan was to have devolved government in Scotland and Wales, subject to a vote, then to roll out regional devolution in the English regions starting with the NE. That referendum was defeated by a clever right wing campaign led by an unknown Dominic Cummings. The whole plan was dropped.
November 25, 2025 at 12:31 PM
The original plan was to have devolved government in Scotland and Wales, subject to a vote, then to roll out regional devolution in the English regions starting with the NE. That referendum was defeated by a clever right wing campaign led by an unknown Dominic Cummings. The whole plan was dropped.
A Sivanandan spoke the truth for many Brits of colour when he coined the phrase, “We are here because you were there”. That’s why we identify with the name of the project that resulted in us, rather than the sub-state nations that were greedy participants in the imperial project.
November 24, 2025 at 12:02 AM
A Sivanandan spoke the truth for many Brits of colour when he coined the phrase, “We are here because you were there”. That’s why we identify with the name of the project that resulted in us, rather than the sub-state nations that were greedy participants in the imperial project.
It’s because all our lives those who choose to be demonstrative about their Englishness use it openly and explicitly as an ‘ethnic’, blood & soil label to exclude us. The exception is in sport. Whereas the Union flag has been claimed over decades by prominent athletes of colour.
November 23, 2025 at 3:49 PM
It’s because all our lives those who choose to be demonstrative about their Englishness use it openly and explicitly as an ‘ethnic’, blood & soil label to exclude us. The exception is in sport. Whereas the Union flag has been claimed over decades by prominent athletes of colour.
My serious point, which I made flippantly, is that there was a curious public relief in the early part of the pandemic response, once government started actually to do something, which showed a longing for firm, even stern, leadership. It wasn’t what we got, of course.
November 23, 2025 at 12:00 PM
My serious point, which I made flippantly, is that there was a curious public relief in the early part of the pandemic response, once government started actually to do something, which showed a longing for firm, even stern, leadership. It wasn’t what we got, of course.
Covid? Did people ‘enjoy’ the comforting experience of Chris Whitty telling us to stay at home, the PM showing us how to wash our hands? Communal weekly pan-bashing? Furlough?
November 23, 2025 at 10:21 AM
Covid? Did people ‘enjoy’ the comforting experience of Chris Whitty telling us to stay at home, the PM showing us how to wash our hands? Communal weekly pan-bashing? Furlough?
She led it, at least as willing figurehead.
I used to be sympathetic to her, to think her clever and able, but I’m really not sure now.
I used to be sympathetic to her, to think her clever and able, but I’m really not sure now.
November 22, 2025 at 10:34 PM
She led it, at least as willing figurehead.
I used to be sympathetic to her, to think her clever and able, but I’m really not sure now.
I used to be sympathetic to her, to think her clever and able, but I’m really not sure now.
Yes, and she held on because she’s a very effective campaigner in the constituency, but faced by a better opponent I can’t see her hanging on.
November 22, 2025 at 8:28 PM
Yes, and she held on because she’s a very effective campaigner in the constituency, but faced by a better opponent I can’t see her hanging on.
Next time I’ll write a comment on your SubStack! It’ll save time….
November 22, 2025 at 4:27 PM
Next time I’ll write a comment on your SubStack! It’ll save time….
I understand your argument. It’s not that I oppose it, but I think it’s much more complicated. YouGov polling on flags shows that. So does the history of how these symbols are used, as much in Scotland & Wales as in England, where national identity is no more intrinsically benign than in England.
November 22, 2025 at 3:21 PM
I understand your argument. It’s not that I oppose it, but I think it’s much more complicated. YouGov polling on flags shows that. So does the history of how these symbols are used, as much in Scotland & Wales as in England, where national identity is no more intrinsically benign than in England.
As I recoil from them when they turn up with a cherry picker and a videographer to film themselves raising flags outside my home, as I cower inside. And yes, this did happen. I have photos. My point is, I can’t fake feelings I don’t have to please those acting in bad faith.
November 22, 2025 at 2:51 PM
As I recoil from them when they turn up with a cherry picker and a videographer to film themselves raising flags outside my home, as I cower inside. And yes, this did happen. I have photos. My point is, I can’t fake feelings I don’t have to please those acting in bad faith.
It is so foolish that it’s almost as if they *want* to destroy the Labour Party appeal to its most loyal voters. I can’t see Shabana Mahmood retaining her seat at the next general election.
November 22, 2025 at 2:39 PM
It is so foolish that it’s almost as if they *want* to destroy the Labour Party appeal to its most loyal voters. I can’t see Shabana Mahmood retaining her seat at the next general election.
Sorry, but I really recoil from this. It’s what repelled me from activism with Compass. I identify strongly and from the heart with my city. England is just a sports team.
November 22, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Sorry, but I really recoil from this. It’s what repelled me from activism with Compass. I identify strongly and from the heart with my city. England is just a sports team.