Britishness

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Britishness is political concept that seeks to develop or more often define what it is to be 'British'. The term is often associated with the British unionist tradition however the term 'Unionist' is often associated with Northern Ireland and so 'Britishness' is more often used. It can be seen however that Britishness evokes a range of responses and attitudes that make an exact definition elusive^[1].

Most recently this concept has been used by Gordon Brown to initiate debate on British identity ^[2]. Brown's speech to the Fabian Society's Britishness Conference proposed that British values demand a new constitutional settlement and symbols to represent a modern patriotism, including a new youth community service scheme and a 'British day' to celebrate ^[3] . One focus can be seen in terms of celebrating the best of Britain. That is to stress that what unites Britain is stronger than the issues dividing it, such as support in Scotland for Scottish independence, World Cup loyalties or growing signs of English revolt against distribution of funds to Holyrood.

One of the central issues identified at the Fabian Society conference was how the English identity fits within the framework of a devolved Britain. Does England require a new constitutional settlement for instance ^[4]?

A tangible expression of the Government's initiative to promote Britishness was the inaugural Veterans' Day which was first held on 27th June 2006. As well as celebrating the achievements of armed forces veterans, Browns' speech at the first event for the celebration said: "Scots and people from the rest of the UK share the purpose – that Britain has something to say to the rest of the world about the values of freedom, democracy and the dignity of the people that you stand up for. So at a time when people can talk about football and devolution and money, it is important that we also remember the values that we share in common" ^[5]

Critics have argued that Gordon Brown's sudden interest in the subject is more to do with countering English opposition to a Scottish MP becoming Prime Minister and the unresolved issue of the West Lothian question^[6]