If the Scottish independence referendum of last year did anything (other than destroy Labour’s voter base in Scotland), it issued a much-needed reminder to the political class that the United Kingdom is made up of four nations, all with their own individual character, culture and sensibilities.
Indeed, that means England, too. For all the hot air suddenly now espoused from the mainstream parties about “English votes for English laws”, there’s only one party that properly addresses the idea of English nationhood without veering into racially-charged rhetoric, and that’s the English Democrats.
You might not even have heard of them before – they’re still a relatively young party – but the English Democrats are standing 32 MPs at this election. And if you disagree with the often hysterical rhetoric of UKIP but agree that British politics is pitifully lacking in common sense, you’ll likely find much common ground with the party that describes itself as “not left, not right, just English”.
So what do they believe in? First and foremost, the English Democrats seek political devolution for England in the same manner that Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales now enjoy. This means instead of a questionable compromise on English MP votes in the House of Commons, a referendum would be held on whether England should once again have its own parliament, its own representatives and its own First Minister. And polls suggest that the vast majority of people in what is the largest country in the UK agree that this would be a more sensible state of affairs.
While English devolution may be a priority, this isn’t a single issue party. Their manifesto outlines a belief in “a broad aim of a society which accommodates the interests of all the people of England” which can be built in “an enlightened and democratic way”. This means an increased use of referenda so the population routinely gets its say on the most important of matters, a new Bill of Rights, a legal emphasis on civil liberties and entrenching the key principle that the state should serve the collective interests of its citizens.
On domestic matters, the English Democrats also have a range of well-developed policies. An NHS inspectorate, similar to the successful schools inspectorate, would be created to ensure that treatment is based on medical need and not bureaucratic management targets. On education, the party supports a rebalancing of education so that craft & vocational studies are given the same emphasis as academic options for those who wish to take them.
When it comes to the heated issue of immigration, a Australian & Canadian-style points system, based on skills, citizenship and language ability is favoured – and opinion polling shows the majority of the public support this approach. While UKIP have picked this policy for themselves in the past few months, the English Democrat approach focuses on “creating a peaceful society which is bound together by shared values and perceptions” while reducing currently unsustainable levels of unskilled migration, instead of the ‘other party’s general emphasis on curbing Eastern European numbers.
The English Democrats also have a grown-up and considered approach to the environment. This includes encouragement for green industries, especially renewable energy generation, and supporting the construction of energy efficient buildings. On drug prohibition, the Eng Dems would support an “open-minded” government enquiry into the legalisation of cannabis and recognise the arguments on both sides of the debate. Registered Class A drug addicts would also be placed in secure drug rehabilitation schemes rather than sent to prison.
So why should you vote for them? Because the main four parties, despite what might be promised in the month leading up to the election, are never going to let England have a say on its own affairs in the same way the rest of Britain does. Only by increasing the English Democrat vote share will a real message be sent to Westminster from English people. And because when it comes to the main issues, this party does not posture like the rest, but offers sensible solutions in a honest way.
Words by Benedict
Note: This piece was constructed on the basis of balance in our coverage of the General Election and does not necessarily reflect all the views of the author.