English nationalism has long been trapped between American-led globalisation and small-minded nostalgia. Can England rediscover its identity in its rich local, regional and radical movements?
In May, England's largest cities will be asked whether or not they want directly-elected Mayors. This is an opportunity to reinvigorate English democracy, and combat the centralized system of governance that has suffocated the nation for far too long.
The Prime Minister has conceded that there will be a Scottish independence referendum and argued the case for the Union on these terms. This is a historic moment for Britain. openDemocracy asks its readers for their response in an open forum on the future of the Union.
Cameron must limit Scotland's choices because financial autonomy for Scotland would arguably have a more profound affect on the status quo than Scottish Independence.
Englishness is finally finding a voice, after more than a century. Why has it been muted this long, and is it time now for a strong civic nation, or will an England of blood and soil emerge?
England has a political identity, but how can this be given an expression? English votes for English laws? An English Parliament? Let the discussion of practical solutions begin.
Being English is not a question of blood, of purity: it has always been a multi-racial alliance.
Around the globe, new forms of governance are being sought to counter-balance the hyper-empire of global capitalism. Scotland is developing its own resistance, could England follow suit?
An increasingly assertive English nationalism; the prospect of an independent Scotland; the economic crisis.... the English question is ready to explode. Evasion tactics are deeply embedded, but even these are about to fail.
Scotland's Prime Minister has launched a consultation with the people over the coming independence referendum. He seeks a calm, normal process but will Westminster let him have it? the tables are already turned as the nationalists are rational and the traditional Unionists become incoherent retro-
Finally, the nature and future of England may become part of the national debate in the UK, as Scotland's First Minister appeals to the English who have not spoken yet and IPPR announces the discovery of England's emerging political community.
The Daily Telegraph's Peter Oborne and Scottish writer Neal Ascherson discuss national identity in light of the approaching referendum on Scottish independence.
