English nationalism 'threat to UK'

J ack Straw and William Hague warn of

nationalism


Cross-party politicians have warned of growing English nationalism following devolution, airing
their views in a BBC programme.

Home Secretary J ack Straw says the English had used their "propensity to violence to subjugate
Ireland, Wales and Scotland" on the Radio 4 programme Brits. The broadcast is examining what
it now means to be British.

Mr Straw will describe the English as "potentially very aggressive, very violent" and will
"increasingly articulate their Englishness following devolution."


Also appearing on the programme is Conservative leader William
Hague.

Mr Hague will say: "English nationalism is the most dangerous of all
forms of nationalism that can arise within the United Kingdom, because
England is five-sixths of the population of the UK."

The two politicians are appearing on the second of a three-part series.

The programme's producer Martin Rosenbaum said: "For years people
in Wales and Scotland have been thinking about their individual
political identity but the English haven't.

"Many politicians are now having to think hard about it and we are
trying to provoke debate."


Football hooliganism -
the ugly face of
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He told BBC News Online: "This is an important issue which hasn't
been properly covered.

"What we show is there is an English backlash but also self-doubt about
England's identity.

"J ack Straw is worried that nationalism will manifest itself in violence
and wants a positive English identity created which will beat off the
unpleasant side.

"Many left wing politicians are frightened of the topic of nationalism
because of its associations with the far right - but the issue needs to be
discussed."


Mr Straw will tell the programme: "As we move into this new century,
people's sense of Englishness will become more articulated and that's
partly because of the mirror that devolution provides us with and
because we're becoming more European at the same time."

The Tory leader will add that he believes there has been a "rise of an
English political consciousness".

"Once a part of a united country or kingdom that is so predominant in
size becomes nationalistic, then really the whole thing is under threat,"
he will say.

BBC Radio Four's Brits will be broadcast on Monday at 8pm.

J ack Straw: English are

potentially 'very
violent'
William Hague:
English nationalism
'most dangerous'