Why We Need to Talk About Englishness

English identity is not something to be afraid of or suppressed within the notion of ‘Britain’ – but to be valued and explored, writes Caroline Lucas

Patriotism, according to the musician Billy Bragg, can essentially be understood as giving a shit about your country. Not thinking it is better than every other country. Not Boris Johnson’s ‘world-beating’ nonsense. Or Nigel Farage’s Union Jack socks. But a love of country that is inclusive and multi layered – and perfectly compatible with a deep desire to make it better.

It is not using flags to intimidate your neighbours. And it is definitely not standing outside asylum hotels shouting at the terrified inmates to go home.

The wonder is that the Labour leadership should have any difficulty articulating this. Yet, it does.

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