In a special St George’s Day edition, Hilary and Sebastian are joined by Professor Peter Ramsay, Professor of Law at the London School of Economics and Political Science. We discuss the meaning of the nation. Why have our political class embraced a global approach to everything, preferring Davos to Westminster? Do ordinary citizens by contrast still value the concept of a sovereign nation state? Is the debate on a Great Repeal Act useful? Can we reclaim the nation in a way that revives a true democratic spirit?
In Culture Club, lest anyone think the episode is too England centric, Peter talks about new folk music including Scotland’s Ryan Young.
Get in touch:
hilary.salt@sdp.org.uk
sebastian.moore@sdp.org.uk
Recommendations:
The Northern Star blog: https://thenorthernstar.online/
Taking Control: Sovereignty and Democracy After Brexit : https://amzn.eu/d/897CVkm
Forthcoming book: The National Interest: Politics After Globalization: Philip Cunliffe: https://www.politybooks.com/bookdetail?book_slug=the-national-interest-politics-after-globalization–9781509561100
The Rise and Fall of the British Nation: A Twentieth-Century History: David Edgerton: https://amzn.eu/d/fMsUdxT
Ryan Young
The Bird’s Nest/’S Iomadh Run A’Chunnaic Mi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xk8zy9kpVc0
Spiro:
The City and the Stars: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2V0z5Ke24E
I found Pete’s move away from the nostalgic view of England/Britain really refreshing. I felt the Irish contribution was downplayed.
Overall, helpful to imagining a New UK.