Britain fools itself that even British declinism is the best declinism in the world |
Will Israeli flags be coming down in unionist parts of Northern Ireland now that Israel is insulting and threatening the UK?
This week’s row over British sanctions against illegal settlements could be dismissed as an argument between two governments, rather than between two countries or groups of people. The Conservatives at Westminster are trying to portray it at as such and unionist parties are attempting the same. But that distinction will be difficult to sustain as Israeli government figures dismiss British sovereignty over the Falklands and rant against the UK in general. Most people will rally around their own flag once they feel it is under attack. Pro-Israeli voices are bound to start mentioning Northern Ireland as another territory Britain deserves to lose. That will be nasty shock for several unionist politicians.
There has always been scepticism about Israel among unionists of all persuasions, from liberals to loyalists. Israel has had a difficult relationship with Britain throughout its history. Some unionist support for Israel is based on religious or political conviction but some is undoubtedly shallow tribalism – a reaction to Irish support for Palestinians. It could easily melt away.
Most unionists are probably not giving the subject much thought. Certainly, there is no comparison with nationalism’s political, media and activist engagement. The clearest........