Who Speaks For Me?

Proud of Being British

For most of my life I have been proud of being British. Why?

• We are a union of four countries, celebrating our differing traditions and histories, working together in partnership for the common good 
• We are a generous, hospitable, tolerant and welcoming people, respectful of different cultures and ways of life
• Our democratic political system has been characterised, on the whole, by integrity and truthfulness
• We have stood up for liberty and fought against fascism, genocide and tyranny
• We are a nation that commands affection and respect throughout the world
• We have a judicial system that is independent and impartial
• We have a free press and the BBC
• Freedom of speech is a bedrock of our nation
• We have had political leaders of intelligence and wisdom
• We care for our environment
• Our economic system has simultaneously encouraged wealth creation, provided free universal health care and education whilst protecting the weak and disadvantaged
• We try to create opportunities for all
• There was a consensus that the better off had an obligation to support those less fortunate
• We helped break down barriers between countries, building alliances to prevent war and killing
• We pioneered inclusion, diversity and tolerance in human relationships
• We value truth, integrity and an ill-defined but nonetheless important sense of fairness and fair play
• We recognise we are not perfect and have made mistakes

Now I now feel less proud; all has not changed but I wish I could say the following as well:

• We only go to war with broad international consensus or support
• If an unreasonable veto (es) are used at the Security Council, we will build a majority in the General Assembly before supporting armed interventions
• We condemn unequivocally the torture of prisoners
• When we have referenda, we will only do so when we are clear about the question and agree a % that needs to be achieved for the result to be binding
• We welcome refugees to our country from persecution and oppression
• We passionately defend everyone’s freedom of speech – with the only caveat being that it does not break the law
• We believe that the ratio between the pay of a CEO compared to the mean full-time working income of employees in an organisation should be nearer the ration of 30 times, which it was in the 1990s, compared to the 185 times that it is now
• People in their twenties and thirties can afford to buy a home
• We celebrate the success of the vast majority of European countries maintaining the longest period of peace in Europe, without war, for nearly a millennia.
• Our MPs behave in a way of which we can be proud – both with regard to their remuneration and their actions and language
• Everyone in work receives a decent and reasonable income
• Our society cares for and supports those who are disadvantaged and in difficulty
• We treat all prisoners humanely regardless of the heinousness of their crimes