Archive for category British History
French Connection
Posted by Carolina Bracken in British History, European Union, Multiculturalism on 04/05/2011
Details emerging about a Brussels-led plan have bewildered both EU supporters and sceptics alike. Not content with efforts to deconstruct member state borders, it now seems that the EU seeks to redraw these lines from scratch, in defiance of historic, linguistic, even geographical boundaries.
Yes? No? Does anyone care?
Posted by Stephen Clarke in British History, Politics on 04/05/2011
With the first UK-wide referendum since 1975 approaching, it could be worth asking: how many of the population have to vote to make the result a meaningful one? Perhaps more important than the vote itself are the issues which could be thrown up about the state of British democracy.
Sense and Sensitivity
Posted by Carolina Bracken in British History, Civil Liberty, Crime, Human Rights on 17/02/2011
At first glance, a recent decision by the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) seems to challenge the flurry of accusations of judicial expansionism fired at the Strasbourg court over the past weeks. However, a closer reading reveals a troubling subtext which largely belies the laudable national sensitivity the Court purports to possess.
Does it matter if we ignore the ECHR?
Posted by Carolina Bracken in British History, Civil Liberty, Crime, Human Rights, Politics on 08/02/2011
In an emphatic open letter, the Director of the Howard League, Frances Crook, calls on all MPs to stand against Thursday’s motion relating to voting by prisoners. Ms Crook rightly states that the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) is “arguably one of the greatest achievements in recent history”. Similarly, it is true that, so far as the decision on Thursday is concerned, “our reputation in the international legal world is on the line”. However, whilst these points are wholly correct, Ms Crook’s conclusion is disappointingly myopic and alarmingly naïve.
My grand day out to a British textiles manufacturer
Posted by David Merlin-Jones in British History, Economics on 19/11/2010
If wool was a food chain, Fox Brothers & Co would be king. The company has been producing wool based textiles for nearly 250 years and its name is synonymous with flannel, a versatile woollen fabric. It is a British company based in Somerset and, unlike many other long established British textile manufacturers, it has survived the great decline the sector has suffered. In fact, it is currently facing a resurgence in demand.
I was kindly invited to tour the mill and experience its quintessential British manufacturing. This blog post details my expedition and the process of creating flannel. As a rare treat, pictures are also included. Read the rest of this entry »
His island story
Posted by David Merlin-Jones in British History, Education, Politics on 07/10/2010
What makes history? Is it war, necessity of change or great individuals? According to the Conservatives, it is the latter and one particular individual will ‘make’ history for the nation’s schoolchildren: Simon Schama. The Education Secretary, Michael Gove, has announced that he wants Schama to rewrite the history syllabus to teach more British history. Gove’s aim may be laudable, but choosing just one man to steer this overhaul of the curriculum is a concession to celebrity culture too far. Read the rest of this entry »