Angus Macleod, Scottish Political Editor
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David Cameron yesterday pledged never to give in to “narrow English nationalism” as he presented a clear challenge to those in his party who believe that the Tories would be better off concentrating their efforts south of the Border and jettisoning their support for the 300-year-old Union between England and Scotland.
The Conservative leader, in a speech to party activists in Edinburgh, indicated that he had no interest in becoming the Prime Minister of England alone, declaring: “We are a party of the Union and, as long as I lead it, that is how it will stay.”
Mr Cameron criticised nationalists both sides of the Border, saying that he saw it as his job to defeat “the ugly stain of separatism that is seeping through the Union flag”. He acknowledged that it was essential for answers be found to issues such as the Barnett Formula and the West Lothian Question, and he pledged to address them without putting the Union at risk.
In a speech delivered only yards from the new Scottish Parliament building, Mr Cameron sought to defuse criticism that by backing “English votes for English laws” at Westminster, the Tories were tacitly giving up on the Union and any prospect of future electoral success in Scotland, where they have only one MP. “We must not allow the legitimate and affectionate doubling up of patriotic pride to be pushed aside by a coarse and casual nationalism,” he said.
Mr Cameron also turned his fire on Gordon Brown, lampooning the Prime Minister’s efforts to sell the concept of British-ness. “It is vital we get this right,” Mr Cameron said. “[Brown] approaches the whole question of national identity like a sort of brand manager trying to launch a new product on the market. So we have citizen’s juries to decide what it means to be British. We have a competition to come up with a motto for Britain.”

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I agree that there is a distinction between a reasonable desire to process local issues more effectively and a parochialism prompted by particular interests putting their advantage before the wider good; such as presently threatens to occur in the European connection.
Henry Percy, London, UK
The last thing I wanted to hear. If anyone had any doubt about the partisan behaviour of the Scots, watch the X factor! How on earth could anyone keep voting for that talentless prat, 'Leon' it can only be every tartan clad clown from Glasgow to John-a-Groats, freedom for England ASAP.
david, exeter, UK
David Cameron tells me I'm a 'narrow' English nationalist. But I'm also a Scottish nationalist. (I believe people wish to to be governed within their own nation state as the form of government best suited to their needs.) So am I a narrow Scottish nationalist? Or does being a nationalist twice over make me a wide one? I would like to see both England and Scotland play their part in the world without being bossed about by the British fiscal military state. What's narrow about that? I am glad that migrants from all over the world wish to come and live in England and Scotland and contribute to our life. What's narrow about that? The votes for the Union in 1707 were hardly democratic . Why are those who are preaching its virtues not prepared to put it to the democratic test in a referendum? Perhaps they are narrow Unionists who do not really believe in or trust democracy. I'd better stop or Vince Cable will tell me I am a threat to the tranquillity of the UK - and shrill as well.
Ian Campbell, West Hrorsley Leatherhead, Surrey England
What do Mr. Camerons constituants (who are in England aren't they?)think of all his statements about the English .
his "sour little English"speech and now his"narrow English nationalism" speech,
He does not care for the English much does he ?
He is always on about his Scottish blood running thu. his veins,I think he is some kin to our Prime minister
But if I lived in Mr. Camerons constituency I would be asking him about his loyalties,and seriously considering mine ,when the time comes to put my cross on a voting form.
But I suppose they will put it all behind them to get their man voted in.
What 's that Quote about gaining the world but losing your soul
E.Justice, Gateshead , England
Take this clown back down south with the rest of you and keep him there. The Tories were effectively wiped out in Scotland a generation ago and will NEVER come back. The REAL contest here is between a sleaze-ridden Labour party and a now-rampaging SNP, who are set to wipe the floor with all comers. However, if David C. thinks that the way to win back the Scots to the fold is to jest about being the first tory leader to walk down Sauchiehall St. without being head-butted, might I sugest that he keeps that 100% record by NEVER COMING BACK. A new assertiveness is apparent amongst Scots, and people like Cameron and Brown have no further role in these proceedings.
"For All The Good You Have Done, In The Name Of God...GO"
Hamish Morrison, Inverness, Scotland
At last David Cameron makes a speech as leader of the Conservative and UNIONIST Party.
FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A very proud Scot and equally proud Briton!!!!!!!!!!!!
We need alot more like this please!!!
Rule Brittania.
colin, OSLO, norway
David Cameron has made a colossal error. At a time when it is the English, rather than the Scots, who are keen on independence and the West Lothian issue is hanging around the neck of Gordon Brown like an Albatross â David Cameron squanders this excellent opportunity to finalise the process of devolution.
The Union is finished, history, over with and has been for a long time too (since Suez really.) The Union has served its purpose but an ever increasing population and the massive demographic pressures on local and central government has made its demise inevitable.
Let us cut to the chase and campaign for English independence and make both Houses into a purely English parliament for English MPs.
England has far more to gain and less to lose from independence. There really is no point in delaying the inevitable so David Cameron should sieze the initiative and grasp the opportunity with both hands.
Unfortunately, he has miscalculated on this occasion but give it time.
Jason Mead, Bristol, England
Wake up Cameron. The union is dead. The Tories in Scotland are dead. You should put all your energy in the establishment of a Parliament for England.
Doc Snoddy, Englandshire, ENGLAND
Mixed messages from 'Call me Dave' - trying to please all the people all of the time? If he used his head he'd help Salmond and SNP destroy Labour's base in Scotland (the Tories are unlikely to re-establish their base there) - a win-win situation. But he won't see it.
Ian Burgess, Bristol,