To celebrate the fact that Gordon Brown is about to have his arse kicked by the SNP in the Kingdom of Fife I thought I'd write a belated reply to one of Peter Hain's pen-pushers.
Dear Mr Burchill,
My apologies for the inexcusable delay since our last correspondence. Doesn't time fly!
Do you happen to know if Peter Hain, the former - now disgraced - Secretary of State, still believes that devolution has dealt nationalism a severe blow and secured the future of the United Kingdom?
If not then what does the current Secretary of State think?
Best,
----- Original Message -----
From: "Burchell, Matthew"
Sent: Thursday, March 02, 2006 4:44 PM
Subject: RE: Devolution and English NationalismDear Sir,
Thank you for your email. Please accept my apologies for the delay in replying.
The Secretary of State believes that, far from fuelling Welsh and Scottish nationalism, devolution for Scotland and Wales has dealt it a severe blow, and in doing so, has secured the future of the United Kingdom. This is clearly demonstrated by the fact that support for separatist parties in Scotland and Wales has declined since the establishment of the Scottish Parliament and the National Assembly for Wales.
The Government does not support the Lord Baker's private members bill because it would undermine the fundamental constitutional principle that all MPs are equal and would lead to constitutional uncertainty.
Once again, thank you for taking the opportunity to write.
Yours faithfully,
Matthew Burchell
Where's Peter Hain now that the Labour Party and the Union needs him?