The Chancellor of the Exchequer, in a clear reminder that he sees his opportunity to lead his party and the Government approaching, maps out a programme of policy changes, hinting that a Brown administration would be rooted in patriotism. Rather than recoiling from national symbols as the Centre Left had done in the past it should embrace the Union Jack, making it a symbol of unity, and of tolerance and inclusion, he will suggest.

Mr Brown will set out plans for the constitution, civic society and local democracy, going well beyond anything Labour has set out hitherto. They include reducing the powers of the executive to declare war, appoint judges and the clergy; the creation of a national community service; mandatory English-language training for people struggling to find work; and devolution of power to schools and hospitals.

Mr Brown will advocate an equivalent of America’s July 4 celebrations — a British Day. He appears to be hinting at a new Bank Holiday. It would be “unifying, commemorative, dignified and an expression of British ideas of standing firm in the name of liberty”. The Left, he will say, has failed to understand that the values on which Britishness is based — fairness, liberty and responsibility — owe more to progressive ideas than to the Right.

POSSIBLE DATES

April 21 The Queen’s birthday

October 21 Trafalgar Day

November 11 Remembrance Day

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