Memorandum by Mr H W Barstow (RG 07)
My opinions are those of someone who feels that
a terrible injustice is being forced upon we of England. First,
I feel increasing resentment and offence that while Scotland is
granted a parliament (having been offered a government backed
referendum), likewise Wales an Assembly (soon to be a parliament),
England's people are treated as 2nd class (or is it non-class)
citizens.
Yes, the North East was granted a referendum
for a Regional Assembly. It replied with a resounding "No."
This was ignored with contempt and these Regional Assemblies continue
(behind our backs). But then . . . we are only English.
England, one of the oldest Nations (and cultures)
in Europe, is being denied those services (health being but one
example) that is granted as of right to Scotland in particular,
and to a lesser extent to Wales. Though when Wales gets a parliament,
she will demand and she will get, those same benefits granted
to Scotland. England will remain ignored, her peoples awaiting
cancer treatments (etc), university education that in Scotland
is free, free Care-Homes for the elderly (in Scotland) etc, etc,
etc . . all benefits granted first to Scotland, second to Wales,
but denied to England. How come this is not prejudice?
In case the government does not know of the
growing resentment and offence this causes we of England, then
I suggest it asks itself why we of England should feel any less
love of our Nation than do the Scots and Welsh theirs. We do not
support our rugby and cricket teams just for fun! The emotions
come from the heart! They call it patriotism . . . something the
Scots (and everyone else) is allowed to feel.
In case this government thinks it can ride rough-shod
over our feelings then I suggest it study very carefully its own
laws on "prejudice and discrimination," and then ask
itself why we of England should tolerate in silence this relentless
campaign of Anglo-phobia. Should the position in which England
finds herself be vice-versa then there would be riots (yes riots)
across Scotland. As for Scottish MP's, there would be uproar at
Westminster.
No, England must not be partitioned and broken
up. She must be granted those same "Rights" already
granted to Scotland and Wales. Therefore she must be granted her
Parliament too. To fail to do so is to prove beyond doubt this
government's institutionalised prejudices against England.
Finally, England pays many of the taxes that
go to Scotland (and to a lesser degree, Wales) to fund their privileged
status. I merely ask for some of their Rights. It was England
that gave to the cause of democracy the Magna Carta and the Bill
of Rights 1688-89. How come we of England are now excluded from
these same Rights ourselves.
In short, we want a Parliament of England .
. . not the partition of England by way of regionalism.
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