The influence of the United Kingdom Independence Party on english national identity at the present stage

Abstract

The article analyzes how the activities of the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) influenced the development of English national identity in the years leading up to the British vote on Britain's membership in the European Union. A brief history of the creation and electoral success of the party is given. The focus is on the period when Nigel Farage held the post of head of UKIP. The factors that determined the current state of English national identity and its relationship with British identity are investigated. The article explains how the connection between these identities was reflected in the policy of UKIP. The article examines the attitude of the party leadership to the problems of the establishment of English parliament and celebrating St. George's Day in England. UKIP has always been viewed as a haven for the oppressed, disaffected and disillusioned people. This image was used by the party leadership to secure its support in England. Emphasizing the theme of unfair treatment of England by the British government and Brussels and the need to respect specific English national identity bore fruit. By 2014, the largest share of English people began to perceive UKIP as the party that best defended English interests. The strengthening of the existing eurosceptic sentiments in England ensured the decision to end Britain's membership in the EU in the 2016 referendum thereby contributing to the implementation of the UKIP's key mission. Thanks to the active appeal to the English question, UKIP was able to acquire a very significant weight in the British political arena.