Billy Bragg
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In whose interests do you exercise it? To whom are you accountable? And how can we get rid of you?" - Tony Benn
In 2023 Billy Bragg is celebrating a remarkable 40 years as Britain’s favourite folk singer, songwriter and campaigner. To mark this significant landmark, he has released an acclaimed career-spanning box set ‘The Roaring Forty’ and has played to sell-out crowds across the world. In Nove
23/04/2026
Happy St George's Day folks! For those of you out there unfamiliar with the traditions of the British Isles, today is the day we celebrate our English identity via the symbol of a Levantine soldier in the Roman Army who was martyred in the 3rd century. It's also Shakespeare's birthday for those of a more agnostic bent.
Regular lurkers on this page will recall that several weeks ago I invited people to contribute to the compilation of a list of objects that they feel define the experience of being English. The aim is to create some common ground where people of diverse and differing views can create an inclusive sense of belonging based on place not race. A feeling of unity based on where we are rather than where a our parents or grandparents were from.
This is not about being Panglossian about ‘England’ - our country has many dark chapters. Yet it also possesses things that define us individually and collectively. If we hope to create a narrative that fuels values of inclusivity, fairness, and respect for democracy and the rule of law, then sharing our sense of what it means to be English is the first step.
This is not an attempt to define Englishness, far from it. It's about individuals bringing their idea of who we are to the table so that we can overcome what could be a potentially divisive and hate-filled debate around English identity with a simple question: ‘What 5 objects tell your story of England and Englishness?’
It could be something culturally and historically profound, like the Magna Carta or Shakespeare. Or the every day, seemingly mundane, such as seaside windbreaks or talking about the weather. All weave part of a rich tapestry that makes up.
In the discussion groups that the campaign has conducted, we discovered that no one had ever had a conversation around their national identity and what it means to them. We hope this initiative will provide a helpful way to start respectful conversations with yourself and others.
Our appeal for ideas to include in the 50 objects has so far generated over 3,000 contributions, from which we have produced an initial list which has been made available to buy in the form of a ‘Pocket Museum’ (a deck of cards), a ‘Museum on a Wall’ (a weatherproof A2 poster) or T-shirt.
Our hope is that these will provide a helpful way to start respectful conversations with yourself and others.
You can support our campaign for an England that celebrates an authentic, inclusive, shared story by adding your own five objects to the list or purchasing the poster, cards of t-shirt by going to http://www.averyenglishchat.org.uk/
09/04/2026
In memory of Phil Ochs - singer-songwriter, anti-war activist, father, true patriot - who took his life fifty years ago today
No More Songs Provided to YouTube by Universal Music GroupNo More Songs · Phil OchsGreatest Hits℗ 1970 A&M RecordsReleased on: 1970-01-01Producer: Van D**e ParksComposer L...
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