Today marks the 70th anniversary of the foundation of Mebyon Kernow, a senior partner of the Wessex Regionalists in our struggle against the government’s artificial South West region. MK was founded on 6th January 1951, initially as a pressure group, their inaugural meeting taking place at the Oates Temperance Hotel in Redruth. Early members includedContinueContinue reading “Happy Birthday, Mebyon Kernow”
Category Archives: Regionalism
Wessex Political Thinkers: Alexander Thynn
I had long intended to write a post on the founder of our party as part of the Wessex Political Thinkers series. The sad news of his recent death makes a reflection upon his contribution to Wessex Regionalist thought even more timely. Alexander Thynn–then Viscount Weymouth, later Marquess of Bath–first became interested in formulating aContinueContinue reading “Wessex Political Thinkers: Alexander Thynn”
Lord Bath: A Tribute
As the current Leader of Wessex Regionalists, the party that Alexander founded back in the late 1960s, I must pay tribute to this gentle soul, claimed by this deadly virus. I only met him 3 times, all at Longleat, where he entertained my colleagues and me as a very generous and engaging host, on oneContinueContinue reading “Lord Bath: A Tribute”
Isolation and Community (part 2)
In the first part of this blog post, we looked at how a Wessex regional government might have helped the response to the COVID19 pandemic so far. In this concluding part, we will examine options for the future. While much that is now in train must take its course, our eye is on the longContinueContinue reading “Isolation and Community (part 2)”
An England of the Regions (wonkish)
We have recently posted a couple of times about our vision of a Europe of the Regions. But what might that mean for England? The Wessex Regionalists are concerned with Wessex, and have no official position on how the rest of England should be organised. That doesn’t stop us speculating on some possible scenarios, though.ContinueContinue reading “An England of the Regions (wonkish)”
Prorogue Nation
“I say, Carruthers, fetch me some absinthe would you, there’s a good fellow. Having to listen to these peasants is such a frightful bore.” The question we are asked more than probably any other is how a party seeking regional devolution can support remaining within the European Union. But recent events have exposed the clearContinueContinue reading “Prorogue Nation”
The Ties that Bind
The city regions of Wessex and South Wales have recently come together to draw up plans for a Great Western Powerhouse stretching from Swindon in the east to Swansea in the west; Tewkesbury in the north to Weston-Super-Mare in the south. The cities of Bristol, Newport and Cardiff have commissioned a report from consultancy firmContinueContinue reading “The Ties that Bind”
Wessexit
Of all the reasons for remaining in the EU the most compelling arises from quietly contemplating the alternative. Being marooned on a small island run by Gove, Johnson and IDS is a chilling prospect. It also smacks of betrayal of those elsewhere working for a better Europe. The Danes in particular fear isolation without theirContinueContinue reading “Wessexit”
Devo Min
There are quite a few bright spots for Wessex folk to cheer about in today’s budget – and not just a freeze on cider duty – but look beyond the headlines. It’s good to see money for children’s A&E in Southampton, but isn’t the rest of the NHS on life support? A “more resilient trainContinueContinue reading “Devo Min”
Ourselves Alone
One of the most persistent demands made of us by non-members is that we should work to set up a confederation of decentralist parties, on an all-England or all-Britain basis. It’s a course of action fraught with difficulties, rather like trying to get the cart to go before the horse. So let’s take it apart,ContinueContinue reading “Ourselves Alone”
Wessex Regionalists 