English people should have their own parliament

Colchester has been one of the most significant towns in England.

From olden times when Boudicca forced the Romans to rethink their choice of capital, Colchester has always played a pivotal role in the development of our national democratic identity and holds a deep-seated symbolic significance in England.

The walls and buildings of Colchester have been in situ for many hundreds of years and will remain for many more, which is in stark contrast to the constitutional rights and privileges its inhabitants enjoy.

For many years the UK Government has taken little interest in promoting an inclusive and positive English identity, but now the Scots seek to reinforce their national identity with their referendum on Scottish independence.

England, which of course includes Colchester, is left to carry the can for the rest of Britain, while struggling to reclaim its democratic rights.

While our UK neighbours enjoy the perks of their own first ministers, the English are left voiceless.

The English must reaffirm their own identity – not that we are more or less important than anyone else, but simply that we’re equal to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The recent Institute for Public Policy Research report revealed 76 per cent of people living in England regard themselves as English before British.

Certain politicians will tell you this is insignificant, that what we really want is to be British in a United Kingdom.

All very well, but if the Scottish National Party gets its way, there won’t be a United Kingdom left, and the time is nigh that we as the people of England need to stand up and be counted.

If we truly care about England, we must promote our own positive identity, respect our history and traditions, celebrate St George’s Day as a family and community event, and above all demand the same democratic rights in England as are enjoyed by Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

If we don’t show the British Government we are not to be ignored, then no one else will; and the longer we wait, the more chance there is it will be too late.

James Black
The Campaign for an English Parliament