There are a few Labour MPs who advocate an English Parliament but I suspect they are vastly outnumbered by others who dislike recognition of English nationhood in general and the idea of an English Parliament in particular. Although Chuka Umunna withdrew from the Labour leadership election he has since called for an English Parliament within a federal UK - good for him! I doubt a Labour party led by an avowedly left wing Jeremy Corbyn will make such a call anytime soon.
This letter published in the Western Daily Press on 19th August 2015 reflects my view.
Mixed messages on devolution policy.
Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish nationhood is recognised in their respective devolved parliaments and assemblies. English nationhood also deserves the same recognition and the most straightforward means of achieving it is by the creation of an English parliament.
Unfortunately most British unionist politicians in Westminster make all manner of excuses or propose contorted constitutional arrangements rather than accept any semblance of an English parliament.
However, there are notable exceptions. The Labour Party, for example, has a long-time advocate of an English parliament in Frank Field MP and, from a younger generation, Chuka Umunna, who recently made a speech advocating an English parliament within a federal structure for the nations of the UK. Regrettably, from an English nationalist point of view, Mr Umunna withdrew from the Labour leadership election.
In such circumstances it is worth recalling the words of George Orwell who, over 70 years ago, wrote: “In left-wing circles it is felt that there is always something slightly disgraceful in being an Englishman and that it is duty to snigger at every English institution...”
S.W.
English Democrats, Somerset
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