David Blunkett warns against English nationalism

It seems counter-intuitive to argue that regionalisation prevents balkanisation and the rise of English nationalism, but that's what David Blunkett has done.

Blunkett said the abolition of regional bodies will lead to the "Balkanisation" of England, and end the ability of regions outside London to fight global market forces.

He said: "Our civil society – the glue that holds us together and the driving force for being able to assist each other in times of need – will be unable to respond as the years go by.

"It is the fracturing, the tearing, of the social fabric that concerns me most. The fact that we are likely to see a disintegration of the acceptance of responsibility, of the obligations and duties we owe to each other.

"The denial that there is such a thing as regional identity pulls the centrifugal force of England into London and alienates those who are hardest hit by the cuts.

To ward against this balkanisation of England, Blunkett suggests a Yorkshire Parliament:

"Can you think of one single reason why the people of Yorkshire shouldn't determine their own priorities?

"And, mischievously, one reason why the people of Yorkshire shouldn't have their own White Rose Parliament?"

No, and I can't think of one single reason why the people of England shouldn't determine their own priorities, or one reason why the people of England shouldn't have their own English Parliament.

UPDATE

Read Blunkett's speech here.