Boudica Movie

[Ghostmojo]

I'm English and I'm also British. In truth I probably have more in that mix (with both smatterings of Welsh and French Hugenot ancestry here and there). But basically I'm English - by birth, by culture, by attitudes, love of Shakespeare and cricket for example.

I'm also British. That is the concept of nation-state identity that binds us, and it is a good one - like being American is for its own hugely varigated population. Those of us who have long roots in this country (white northern Europeans) can easily identify with various aspects of our long and varied history - especially with the different regions/countries within these islands. Those who have arrived more recently (post imperial fall-out/commonwealth immigration/European movements) obviously can't equate to such things with their roots being elsewhere. However, the notion (and nation) of Britishness helps to deal with this expansive cosmopolitanism. Britishness makes us all equal as citizens of this state. I think that is worthy, healthy and long may it continue. It needn't be at odds with the more internal desire for another kind of belonging unless that becomes in itself overly nationalistic. That is why I do not favour the dissolution of the union anticipated by both Scottish and Welsh nationalists. I believe the majority of English, Scottish and Welsh (and clearly some Irish) people value the union. This is a small island(s) and separating into three of more political entities really doesn't make a lot of sense other than satisfying the desires of minorities of who want some sort of clannish exclusiveness.

Those internal variations have been accommodated via devolution and that should surely satisfy the level of identity most seek? It is a very telling commentary that the Scottish Nationalists did well in recent elections - NOT because they favour independence, BUT because they administered the country quite well. The majority of those polled said they supported the SNP on most things - but NOT independence, which clearly gives the nationalists something of an identity crisis and problem of aspiration resolution.

Scotland exists as an entity within the UK. It always did and always will. The same is true of Wales where the desire for separation is even less. England is also beginning to find its own way in this. The situation for England is a little different because within it are a variety of strong regional identites. It is also by far the biggest of the three countries with hugely the largest population (including many migrant Scots, Welsh and Irish). England is also perhaps more connected with the identity of Britishness because the capital of both Britain and England is London. That is where our government and head of state reside etc. However, despite statements to the contrary, the Scots were once so keen on the Union (it was under a Scottish king we connected) that many started to call Scotland, North Britain and the GPO often referred to it as such.

This whole process has some way to run I guess, but history (specifically ancient) reminds us that we were 'British' long before the other identities arose.