Dr Andrew Mycock is co-founder of something called the "Academy For Study Of Britishness", based in Huddersfield.
Dr Mycock states in an article entitled "The Challenges of A Disunited Kingdom" over at the naffly-named "Our Kingdom":
For most public, high-profile relationships, when rumours of a rocky patch surface there is plenty of 'advice' around. So it is with that most celebrated political marriage: the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Intense debate has raged about its imminent break-up or whether Britishness can be 're-forged'. The recent publication of the Calman Report has energised such debates in Scotland though with significantly less impact in England which would appear to be more concerned about on-going quandary of whether Andy Murray is British or Scottish.
We ask: How much was the Calman Commission reported in England? And how much are devolution issues reported in England? We ask not for the first time, but these do not appear to be the sort of questions that occur to Andy Mycock.
Interestingly, he makes this comment:
If the English are finally sent packing [from Scotland and Wales].
What on earth does Dr Brit Mycock mean by that? Is he sharing in the demonising of the English? You know, like Jack Straw, the old, old tune about how the English were thoroughly nasty in UK history and "subjugated" those around them?
Mr Mycock also tells us:
Many young Asians see Englishness as exclusory, ethnicised and linked with cultural practice such as binge-drinking and sexual promiscuity. Conversely, young white youths see Britishness ‘tainted’ by multilculturalism, meaning Englishness is a more instinctive identity. For some, British identity is a looser, more flexible identity that can mean anything or even nothing. The push for independence at a time of such significant societal transition and community tensions in England could have significant implications, particularly for young Asians who may feel isolated and excluded.
Um, in recent years we have seen changes in this area as Englishness has emerged from the vaults. But of course the Government must lead. And the UK Government demonises or ignores England and Englishness all the time. New arrivals in England have Britishness rammed down their throats.
Desperate Dr Mycock also says:
If separatist nationalists seek to consistently adhere to the principle of self-determination then surely those BOTs who wish to remain part of the UK have an input in debates about its future? The conspicuous absence of policies on such issues would suggest that separatist nationalists assume that England would undertake all post-imperial responsibilities and their associated costs, though Perryman and other English progressive nationalists fail to acknowledge such complications.
We have heard such things mentioned. But there has been no suggestion that England should shoulder the burden of decision and expense alone.
Dr Mycock obviously doesn't suffer as a working class person would from the worst effects of the West Lothian Question, health apartheid, etc.
He makes us fume!
We do realise that the article covers a lot more ground, but we wanted to pluck out a few England-relevant points.
And it's quite clear to see where Dr Andrew Mycock is coming from.
He ends:
Current government approaches in reforming the UK state are piecemeal and often ill-defined, thus stimulating more uncertainty. But those who seek its hasty demise must provide a more coherent and comprehensive view of the post-Union settlement, or they might simply replicate or even intensify divisions within British society.
This makes us so angry!
Let the people be heard!
Just as they were in Scotland and Wales.
And the fact that he ends on the phrase "British society" whilst actually discussing something that would have brought about its end? Read again:
Current government approaches in reforming the UK state are piecemeal and often ill-defined, thus stimulating more uncertainty. But those who seek its hasty demise must provide a more coherent and comprehensive view of the post-Union settlement, or they might simply replicate or even intensify divisions within British society. (our emphasis throughout)
So, if Britain was no more there would still be British society, would there?
My God! We're glad we're not clever!
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