'English residents are becoming more likely to assert the ‘English’ part of their identity and to identify English interests and issues in politics. It seems that being ‘British’ is losing some of the power it once may have had as a symbolic, unifying, national identity. However, it is not yet clear that English identity will become an inclusive identity that is equally accessible to everyone living in England; a civic rather than an ethnic identity.
People from all backgrounds and ethnicities do say they are English, but there are marked differences in the likelihood of different ethnic groups identifying as English and in the priority they give to British or other identities. Some also suggest that regional differences within England undermine the idea of English as a unifying identity
The seminar will explore the possibility of developing an English identity that was equally accessible to all parts of England and its population. We will look at the current evidence and trends, the barriers to a more inclusive identity and the measures that might be taken to lower them.
In line with other events at the Centre for English Identity and Politics, the seminar will bring together academics, commentators, practitioners, journalist and politicians.’
Prof John Denham
Director, Centre for English Identity and Politics
Booking link [1]
Our confirmed speakers to date include:
Sunder Katwala, British Future
Richard Webber, University of Newcastle
Liam Byrne, Labour MP
Dr Debra Grey, University of Winchester
Dr Charles Leddy-Owen, Portsmouth University
Dr Ariana Giovannini, De Montfort University
David Goodhart, Policy Exchange
Dr Nasar Meer, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow
Dr Maria Sobolewska, University of Manchester
Prof Tariq Modood, University of Bristol