The Future Governance of England: A Debate
Fri, 22 Feb 2013 11:14:00 GMT
A successful debate on the future governance of England
Pictured left to right at the Future Governance of England debate: Eddie Bone, Dr Andy Mycock and Visiting Professor Paul Salveson.
The past decade has been marked by an increased resonance in the profile debates regarding Englishness and English political nationalism. However, dispute endures amongst commentators about whether the metaphoric English nationalist ‘dog’ remains docile or has begun to bark when compared to so-called ‘Celtic’ nationalisms elsewhere in the UK. The prospect of referenda on Scottish independence and the UK’s membership of the European Union will surely intensify debates about the future of England. Paramount to such discussions will be attempts to provide satisfactory answers to the so-called ‘English Questions’ of constitutional reform and governance and the perceived ‘Anglicisation’ of the Westminster parliament in the wake of devolution.
As part of their on-going commitment to public discussion, the Academy for British and Irish Studies at the University of Huddersfield and the Politics Studies Association Britishness Specialist Group sponsored a successful debate on the Future Governance of England recently. It brought together two leading proponents who offered alternative solutions to current English constitutional dilemmas.
Eddie Bone is currently the Chairman of the Campaign for an English Parliament and is editor of England! magazine. Eddie has campaigned widely on both radio and television for the need for a Parliament for England, arguing English democratic concerns are being ignored. Eddie passionately believes that England needs its own parliamentary voice and to promote a positive civic nationalism that would benefit all of England.
Paul Salveson is a Visiting Professor in the Department of Transport and Logistics at the University of Huddersfield and Labour councillor for the Golcar ward. Paul is also General Secretary of the Hannah Mitchell Foundation, which supports regional government for Yorkshire as well as promoting the North’s ethical socialist traditions in a modern context. Paul argues the North is missing out while Scotland, Wales and London have their own devolved administrations.
The debate was chaired by Dr Andy Mycock, who has published widely on issues of citizenship, nationalism and identity in the UK. He recently published an article in the British Journal of Politics and International Relations, ‘The Party Politics of Englishness’, and, together with Professor Paul Ward, has contributed to the Labour Party Policy Review on the ‘English Questions’.
Dr Mycock commented: “The forthcoming Scottish independence referendum indicates there is some urgency in addressing difficult question about England’s constitutional place in the UK. The debate at the University will allow Eddie and Paul to outline their proposals for the future governance of England and will allow the audience to contribute to discussion.”
