England is steadily becoming more self-consciously English

Arthur Aughey, Eberhard Bort, and John Osmond (Unique Paths to Devolution: Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, IWA):

A decisive influence on how devolution will develop in future will be the by far
and away larger part of the United Kingdom, namely England. Partly under the influence of devolution, but also in relation to the reality of the United Kingdom’s role as a medium-sized state within the European Union, England is steadily becoming more self-consciously English. This can be seen both politically and culturally.

In political terms voting patterns, which have always diverged markedly from England in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, continue to throw up strong differences. As a result there are growing demands at Westminster for England to have powers over its domestic concerns in the way devolution has allowed for the three Celtic parts of the UK. This could begin with ‘English votes for English laws’ within the House of Commons and evolve towards some kind of distinctive English Parliament.

The more such trends gather pace, the more the United Kingdom will move from its existing quasi-federal structure towards a more formalised federation. There are, of course, difficulties with establishing a federation in the United Kingdom since England would be such an overwhelmingly large component. It may be, therefore, that in the medium to longer term, perhaps somewhere towards the mid 21st Century, a confederal solution will be found to the United Kingdom’s constitutional dilemmas.

Do I detect a subtle change of emphasis in these UKanian discussions? In the aftermath of devolution '98 the 'English identity crisis' was discussed and English national identity questioned - much to the bemusement of the English who felt no crisis. Now, however, it is more usual, and - dare I say - appropriate, for Britishness and the future of the Union to be contested.

A small victory, perhaps? Is this change in emphasis a tacit admission that there is an English nationalism, a strength of national feeling, that prevents England from being sacrificed at the alter of Unionism to satisfy the smaller nations' desire for home rule?

The recent news that 51% of Conservative Home subscribers are in favour of an English parliament suggests that there is everything to play for, and that Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish devolutionists can't expect to get it all their own way.

'Twas always thus.