John Denham

John Denham is the Director of the Centre for English Identity and Politics at the University of Winchester. He is a former Labour MP and Cabinet Minister and Director of the English Labour Network.

Keir Starmer was right to stress his patriotism. Now Labour must turn the patriotic heat on the Right

The party must challenge the idea that those who govern us are patriots or serve the national interest

By John Denham

/ 12 Feb 2021

Keir Starmer was right to stress his patriotism. Now Labour must turn the patriotic heat on the Right

England on the verge of Brexit – how do we rebuild a nation?

It’s time to abandon old presumptions about unionism, identity and our current constitution, to address the challenges posed by Brexit. An edited version of a speech by John Denham.

By John Denham

/ 26 Mar 2019

England on the verge of Brexit – how do we rebuild a nation?

Is there a route to an English Parliament?

Could the current limited and muted support for an English Parliament could become a pressing demand? (An edited version of a talk given at the seminar ‘Routes to an English Parliament’ on 11th January 2019 at University of Winchester.)

By John Denham

/ 11 Feb 2019

Governing England in the wake of Brexit

English Brexit voters may have voted not so much for the return of Empire, but for greater attention to England as the only stateless nation in the UK.

By John Denham

/ 3 Dec 2018

England – the nation that is not to be named?

Where once politicians spoke of England when they meant Britain, they now speak of Britain when they mean England.

By Gareth Young and John Denham

/ 29 Oct 2018

A nation divided? The identities, politics and governance of England

The public want change. It’s time for civil society to lead this essential, overdue public discussion. An edited version of a Speakers Lecture by John Denham.

By John Denham

/ 16 Aug 2018

Cable’s confusion – on Brexit imperial “nostalgia” and what it means to be English

The Scots have as much reason for imperial nostalgia as the English, so why did one vote Remain and the other vote Leave, asks John Denham?

By John Denham

/ 15 Mar 2018

National identity: dying force – or future hope?

What does the national identity and politics of the coming generations in England tell us about the future?

By John Denham

/ 28 Nov 2016

Re-imagining England

Originally delivered as a public lecture at the University of Winchester on Thursday 9th October, 2014, John Denham reflects on the future of England and "Englishness."

By John Denham

/ 26 May 2015

New values for One Nation Labour

It was values, not aiming at the 'centre ground', that won New Labour power in Britain. If Miliband and One Nation Labour are to prosper they need to show a values-based approach that resonates with an increasingly fragmented public. But how?

By John Denham

/ 20 Sep 2013