Anthony Barnett (London, OK): Who has just said this? I was surprised:
We can now see that the idea that Britishness must be conceived just within the confines of a unitary state, has been merely an historical episode, lasting perhaps from 1707 to the 1950s. There is a great release of energy when you recognise the reality of something as profound as this.
We need a new sense of what it means to be British. If we remain stuck in the 1950s view we will be in trouble. And if it turns out that we cannot re-invent a new form of Britishness to fit with the needs of the 21st century... then it won't be much of a loss to see it go.
I have tweaked it slightly to hide the source. All will be revealed tomorrow if no one supplies the answer before then.
