On the Countrytracks programme last Sunday, (5 minute report, then and now 44:26 in) there was a feature on the Parliament Oak. Situated just outside Sherwood Forest, the tree, at over 1,200 years old, is an ancient and still alive noble oak - and has had an illustrious and specifically English history. It once spanned 8 metres, but now, as with most old oaks, the centre of the tree has gone leaving a few old knarly but still impressive stumps.
A few years ago, the tree was in danger of collapse and the surrounding site was being used as a giant fly-tip. Thankfully, the Woodland Trust have skipped all the rubbish, cleared away the brambles, stabilised the tree, provided information panels and car parking for visitors - and now its future is looking a lot more optimistic.
For hundreds of years, the tree been used as a meeting place. King John conducted a parliament underneath its boughs, as did Edward 1st on his way up to Scotland for a bit of hammering.. But looking at the tree five years ago, you'd hardly know of its importance in England's democratic process, neglected, abused, ignored - a sort of metaphor for our existing non-national democratic process?
That's the history - what about the 'what if?'..
So what if, someone proclaimed a reconvening of the English Parliament under these self same boughs, tomorrow, next week or next month?
What if an elected body - a coalition English Cabinet in waiting was formed - and a manifesto published with outline policies specifically for the benefit and well-being of the people of England?
What if, during that spontaneous English Parliament, it was proclaimed that we, the people of England demanded our God given right for national democratic self determination?
What if that English coalition cabinet applied for international recognition - and asked to join the United Nations?
What if all the media was invited, press releases were prepared and it was widely publicised - so that people in England at last began to wake up?
What if?.....
The Parliament Oak is easy to find and easy to get to, just off the B6035....
2 comments:
I imagine that New Labour's loyal constabulary would turn up and arrest everyone under counter-terrorism measures.
The way things are going we'll get arrested for that anyway just for calling for an English Parliament.
It would be better to do it en-masse and in style.
Great idea.
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