Caroline Lucas, a two-time leader of the Green Party and MP for Brighton Pavilion, discusses her new book 'Another England,' focusing on reimagining English nationalism. Grace Blakeley, an economics commentator, joins her to delve into how the right has seized Englishness, the impact of Brexit on identity, and the emotional aftermath of the referendum. They advocate for inclusive narratives in England's history, emphasizing grassroots movements, local pride, and the interconnectedness of environmental issues and community empowerment.
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insights INSIGHT
Anglo-centric Patriotism
Keir Starmer's recent article about English patriotism confuses England and Britain.
This Anglo-centric view frustrates non-English and cedes ground to the right's nationalistic narratives.
question_answer ANECDOTE
The Importance of Place
Caroline Lucas favors poets like Edward Thomas, whose work emphasizes place and local identity.
She highlights the importance of inclusive local pride, exemplified by Cornwall's flag or Stroud's currency.
insights INSIGHT
Accessibility of Classic Texts
Classic texts can be inaccessible, but framing them within social and historical contexts can broaden their appeal.
Lucas contrasts Dickens' solution for inequality with Gaskell's focus on working-class heroes.
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In this influential work, Richard Louv links the lack of nature in children's lives to rising trends in obesity, attention disorders, and depression. The book brings together research indicating that direct exposure to nature is essential for healthy childhood development and physical and emotional health. Louv provides practical solutions and simple ways to heal the broken bond between children and nature, many of which can be implemented in everyday life. The book has inspired a movement to reconnect children with nature and has led to the creation of the Children & Nature Network[1][4][5].
Vulture Capitalism
Corporate Crimes, Backdoor Bailouts, and the Death of Freedom
Grace Blakeley
Oliver Twist
The 1838 Theatrical Adaptation
George Almar
This adaptation was first performed in the fall of 1838, before the full text of Dickens' original novel had been released. It is a serio-comic burletta that deviates from the original novel, and Dickens himself was reportedly horrified by the performance. The adaptation highlights the theatrical interpretation of Dickens' work during the Victorian era.
Another England
Caroline Lucas
North and South
Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell
Published in 1854-55, 'North and South' by Elizabeth Gaskell is a social novel that delves into the contrasts between the industrial North and the rural South of England. The story follows Margaret Hale, who moves from the southern village of Helstone to the industrial town of Milton-Northern, where she witnesses the harsh realities of the Industrial Revolution. The novel highlights the conflicts between employers and workers, as well as the personal growth of Margaret and her complex relationship with John Thornton, a cotton-mill owner. Gaskell's work provides a nuanced portrayal of the social and economic changes of the time, balancing humanitarian ideals with the pursuit of profit[2][4][5].
1984
None
George Orwell
Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism. The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative. He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination. The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.
Englishness has been hijacked by the right. The flag of St. George’s Cross is proudly waved at far-right rallies. Conservative politicians insult the Left as being anti-English. And our history has been weaponised by cheerleaders for Brexit, exceptionalism and imperial nostalgia. That's the argument of Caroline Lucas, who came to the Intelligence Squared stage in April 2024 to offer us a radically new way of viewing England and Englishness. Lucas has long been at the forefront of progressive politics in the UK, having twice led the Green Party. Discussing her new book, Another England: How to Reclaim Our National Story with political commentator Grace Blakeley, Lucas explores how to redefine nationalism by centering the English people’s history of radical inclusivity, deep-rooted commitment to the natural world and long struggle to win rights for all. These often overlooked stories place the Chartists, the Diggers and the Suffragettes alongside Nelson and Churchill, and draw on a rich literary history to explore our shared challenges of identity and equality today.
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Intelligence Squared 
