Why can’t we talk of devolution for England? This is not because it is impossible as a theoretical concept, far from it. It is because devolution, applied to England, is a logical non-sequitur: devolution from what? The point is that Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish devolution is a devolution from England: that’s how they see it and that’s what’s implied by the very term devolution - a transfer of government power accorded by the English to the other countries whose destiny and governance England has essentially controlled for centuries through the Union.
At work is a profound identification between England and Britain: the two terms are virtually synonymous; and Britain, to all intents and purposes, is the English state - its political identity and raison d’etre. Hence, English devolution is a contradiction in terms. Conceptually, this would imply not powers being devolved by an entity known as Britain to a component part of Britain known as England; but rather, this would be a case of England devolving powers to itself.
http://britologywatch.wordpress.com/2007
This is an interesting blog and well worth reading
Independence Cymru supports a parliament for England, Scotland, Wales and N. Ireland, and a Federal Assembly to deal with all matters of mutual interest.
"The Nineteenth century saw a great Springtime of Nations as the revolutions of 1848 saw new countries created the length and breadth of Europe. In our world today we are now seeing our own Spring Awakening with people and cultures that have long been dormant and subdued asserting their right to exist, their right to dream." Adam Price MP
Ted Heath, a conservative and a committed capitalist once spoke of the unacceptable face of capitalism. He was a brave man - to talk of the unacceptable face of a position that you support with all you heart and mind takes guts.
ReplyDeleteThere is an unacceptable face of Welsh Nationalism too. The face that is anti-English.
England is a great country, a country that has every right to be proud of its contribution to the world in politics, the arts, science, literature, sport and many other fields.
Devolution to Scotland and Wales without England being devolved isn't England giving its England ignored. England has the same right to a parliament as Scotland and Wales, England has the same claim to independence as Scotland in Wales have.
English Nationalism and Welsh Nationalism aren't opposing views they are two sides of the same coin!
I love England, I love its language, I love its poetry, I love its scenery. If I was forced into exile I couldn't wish for a better country than England in which to spend that exile. I believe with all my heart that England, like Wales, should be a free nation.
Ther'll always be an England
And England will be free,
If England means as much to you
As England means to me
I entirely agree with you, Alwyn.
ReplyDeleteEngland does have the same right to a parliament as Scotland and Wales.
The point being made here is that Britain=England so logically it cannot be devolved from itself. To say this is not at all anti-English.
England would have exactly the same status as Scotland and Wales, and would become England rather than Britain. I share your sentiments about English, and love the language too.