FORMER Hampshire MP John Denham, now a University of Winchester professor, launches the Centre for English Identity and Politics next Monday, November 23.

Cambridge academic Professor Robert Tombs will give the keynote lecture, titled England’s Past and England’s Future.

Prof Tombs looks at how the way we remember our history is shaping current debates about England’s future.

Prof Denham, Director of the university’s Centre for English Identity and Politics, said: “Leading figures from politics, the media, culture and universities will all be coming to Winchester to support the work of the new Centre.

“As a new sense of English identity is developing, I’m delighted to be launching this new multi-disciplinary centre of excellence at Winchester. It’s a crucial time to be exploring the concept of ‘Englishness’, and how it should be reflected in the way we are governed.

“Devolution to cities and counties, procedures in the House of Commons, the English debate about the European Union, responses to Welsh and Scottish devolution, and the organisation of political parties in England are all reflecting English concerns. The Centre aims to further increase our understanding of the forces driving English identity, ask key questions about how it may be shaped and develop ideas for an inclusive, forward-facing English identity.”

The centre’s next event is a lecture from Robert Salisbury, Marquess of Salisbury and former Conservative Leader in the House of Lords.

He has warned that the acceleration of Scottish devolution and the introduction of English Votes for English Laws could lead to a break-up of the Union.

He founded the cross-party Constitution Reform Group to advocate a constitutional convention leading to a new Act of Union. Robert visits the University to deliver his lecture England and the Union, where he argues that, with good will, the benefits of national autonomy and the strengths of remaining united can be enjoyed.

Labour MP Tristram Hunt speaks in January, and a conference on England and the EU is to be held in March.

“The Centre is not just about academic study,” added Prof Denham. “We will be engaging with Hampshire school students, with communities organising St George’s Day festivals, and local theatre and performance arts.”

The Centre for English Identity and Politics launch takes place from 6.15pm on Monday November 23.

England and the Union takes place at 6pm, for a 6.30pm start, on Tuesday December 1.

Both events are to be held at The Stripe, King Alfred Campus, University of Winchester, Sparkford Road, Winchester, Hampshire SO22 4NR. For more information and to book a place please visit www.winchester.ac.uk/events