Empire a target of international mirth

BORIS Johnson’s drive to recreate his dream of a “British Empire”, will fail if he is unable to dominate the four home countries.

Without that first step his project becomes a target of international mirth – if the project itself ever was not.

He cannot rule the world if he cannot control his back yard.

Consequently, it is vital that he “reunites Britain” under his banner.

But uniting peoples is about working with their institutions, not attempting to undermine and dominate them.

When Edward I came to Wales in 1256, he made such a good impression on the people, that as soon as he recrossed the border into England, Wales rose in arms to fight what is called the First War of Independence.

However, Boris Johnson’s dilemma, in his drive to “re-unite Britain”, is its motivating force, which is the growth of English nationalism.

English nationalism is not about gaining fair play for England, within Britain, as is Welsh and Scottish nationalism, but the English romantic desire to dominate the World as they once did.

In terms of Britain, this means Wales and Scotland being swallowed up again to be the poorest parts of Greater England (Wales was legally part of England from 1536 to 1998).

It is vital to Boris’ plan that devolution is reversed and the power of the Welsh Senedd, and Scottish Parliament destroyed – or made impotent.

The “levelling up programmes” are on the way to achieving that aim.

At the moment these proposed projects are working counter to the existing development plans drawn up by the Welsh Government in Cardiff for the economy and Welsh infrastructure, rather than synchronised with them – the result of Boris’ lack of willingness to cooperate,

The absorption of the home countries, of its nature, does not attract Welsh and Scottish patriots towards the Union, but rather, drives them away and strengthens their cause.

It is certain that it will further stimulate the move for home rule within Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland not diminish it.

The best advice that Boris Johnson should receive, and act upon, is listen to the devolved governments, and work with them, rather than against them if he wants Britain to remain a single unit.

John H Davies Llandysul