Labour's constitutional convention is the start of an exciting conversation to transform the UK state. But the idea of devolving further power "to nations and regions" threatens to continue the status quo for England. 1/x https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/jan/31/keir-starmer-urged-to-back-radical-constitutional-reform-for-uk?CMP=share_btn_tw

why? inequalities and imbalances within England need to be tackled by a national body that can coordinate and redistribute between regions. 2/x

for the UK government to take on that role would mean challenging the Scottish government claim to lead on economic development and industrial strategy in Scotland - not likely given talk is of further devolution, not less 3/x

so the idea must be that the UK government continues leading economic development and industrial strategy for England, while the devolved administrations do for their nations: the status quo 4/x

the only way to respect the logic of devolution and ensure consistent principles across every part of the UK is for there to be a democratically accountable English tier of government, which coordinates and devolves powers to local authorities 5/x

it's about ensuring there is a government capable of coordinating a national economy - not just identity 6/x

the danger is, we respond too quickly to Scottish identity and are a too frightened about English identity to work out a solution for the UK as a whole 7/7