By David Goodhart, Demos , May 2006

Progressive Nationalism: Citizenship and the Left argues that new citizens need to more visibly ‘earn’ their citizenship through tests and probationary periods. It also argues that there needs to be a clearer link between citizenship and welfare entitlement for all citizens if the solidarities underpinning the welfare state are to be preserved.

“A progressive, civic British nationalism - comfortable with the country’s multi-racial character and its European commitments - is the best hope for preserving the collective values embodied in the welfare state and a thriving public realm,”   says David Goodhart. “Progressives, especially in England, have an anachronistic hostility to national feeling. It is no longer about militarist jingoism, it is the last vehicle for meaningful collectivism.”

Demos is the think tank for everyday democracy. We believe everyone should be able to make personal choices in their daily lives that contribute to the common good. Our aim is to put this democratic idea into practice by working with organisations in ways that make them more effective and legitimate.

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