I. The meaning of the north: England's ‘foreign country’ within?

Abstract

Abstract The core of the British state is to be found in the South of England, Political resistance to this state in Scotland, Wales and Ireland can take the form of a nationalist politics but such reaction has proved to be impossible for the North of England. Nevertheless, perceived cultural differences and relative economic decline throughout the 20th century, both accelerating in the 1980s, may provide the conditions for some form of separatist politics in the North. Evidence for these North-South differences is provided and the arguments for union and obstacles to separation are rehearsed. However, it is argued that in these times of rapid political changes throughout the world, the North of England might find a separate political voice that could break up the unity of England and with it the United Kingdom. Scenarios for change are presented and a future North within a Europe of regions is seen as a likely outcome.