The search for Englishness

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/jun/12/the-search-for-englishness

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Ed Miliband's call for political leaders to talk about Englishness is not a recent phenomenon (Labour government neglected English nationalism – Miliband, 7 June). Jon Cruddas and others talk about reclaiming nationalism from the political right. Billy Bragg has talked of a progressive patriotism and, unlike Miliband, used the SNP as an example of progressive, inclusive nationalism.

The real difficulty Englishness and English nationalism has is differentiating it from Britishness. In many respects, Scottishness and Welshness have been able to define themselves as a separate identity to Britishness. There is evidence to suggest Englishness and English nationalism will essentially develop in response to external events, the Scottish independence debate being the sharpest.

While we have seen a growth in cultural English nationalism over the past two decades (eg greater use of the St George's cross and a greater awareness of St George's Day), political nationalism has been marginal and centred on perceived threats such as the EU and spending within the UK. My own research among Nottinghamshire councillors found that, while there has been a growing sense of Englishness, there is still confusion in defining exactly what it is. It is ironic that England, as the powerhouse of the UK, finds it difficult to define its own nationalism. Unfortunately Miliband hasn't come up with any answers. Justin Sinnott PhD research student on English nationalism, University College Dublin

• Miliband's intention to speak up in favour of Englishness will be welcomed by many people, such as my son's English fiancee. Earlier this year, after a rugby match in Cardiff, I remarked that as a family who left Wales in the 1980s, we always become very patriotic during the rugby season. She said she envied us being Welsh as any show of patriotism by the English tended to be frowned upon. Cynthia Rees Oxted, Surrey

• Ed Miliband has argued that the future of the UK is "too important" to be debated only in Scotland, and that not enough has been done to promote English identity. However, it is Miliband's Labour party that is responsible for this, and Scottish independence would be of huge benefit to the people of England.

The current arrangements are unsuitable not only for Scotland, but unfair for England. What Miliband desires for England can only be delivered by Scottish independence, giving both nations a new relationship based around a partnership of equals, bound by a social union of our shared history and culture.

Implying that this can be delivered through the current constitutional setup condemns Labour to making the same mistakes again and again. The lack of any form to what alternative Miliband and his Tory allies offer in place of independence leaves big questions about exactly what they do plan.

If Miliband genuinely wants to move the debate forward, he should lay out just what change is on offer to the people of England and Scotland. Alex Orr Edinburgh

• Isn't Ed Miliband missing the point that if Scotland leaves the union, the English will no longer be British either (Scots will not be British if they vote for independence, says Miliband, guardian.co.uk, 7 June)? Britishness was invented as a term after the 1603 union of the crowns. Claiming to be British with no Scots is a bit like claiming to be married with no wife. The fact that two children remain in the home after the divorce is neither here nor there. Pól Ó Dochartaigh Aldergrove, Co Antrim

• Mr Miliband says the English do not want constitutional symmetry and an English parliament, but how does he know? Unlike the Scottish and Welsh, the English have never been asked. Devolution to Scotland and Wales was about national recognition, yet England is refused that privilege, presumably to stop the union unravelling, a process that began in earnest after 1998. Such an imbalance is undemocratic and untenable as it denies to a large section of the population the opportunity to have representatives and a government of its own. As for the St George's cross being "reclaimed" from the BNP, this is a sinister mythology created to demonise England. The cross was never owned by the BNP – just like the union flag was never the property of the National Front waving it during the 1970s. Professor Colin Copus Telford, Shropshire