Wales@Westminster newslog

It's Wales@Westminster weblog, BBC Wales' Parliamentary correspondent David Cornock's diary on political life.

Monday, 8 August

Food for thought

posted by David | 1217 BST |

The tributes to Robin Cook are genuine. He was a skilful performer in the House of Commons, matching a forensic approach with lancing sarcasm and wit.

He was also a thoughtful minister. Four years ago, he won headlines for what became known as his "chicken tikka massala" speech, a speech that celebrated Britishness in a changing world.

"Chicken tikka massala," he said, "is now a true British national dish, not only because it is the most popular, but because it is a perfect illustration of the way Britain absorbs and adapts external influences.

"Chicken Tikka is an Indian dish. The massala sauce was added to satisfy the desire of British people to have their meat served in gravy."

His speech, delivered two years after the Scottish parliament and Welsh assembly were established, reflected on internal influences too. He argued that the devolution of power from Westminster would stand the test of time as a radical and significant achievement.

He argued that devolution would strengthen rather than weaken the UK. "The votes for devolution in the referendums were not votes for separation. They were votes to remain in the United Kingdom with a new constitutional settlement. By recognising the United Kingdom's diversity, devolution has guaranteed its future.

"Centuries of living together and working together have created enduring bonds between each of the constituent nations that make up Britain. Our future together in a single state is all the more secure if we each respect the distinctive identity that makes some of us Scottish and others Welsh or English. That mutual respect strengthens our common identity as British."

Cook talked about a "subsidiarity of identity" in expressions of sporting loyalty - for example, by cheering Wales at football but supporting the British team in the Olympics. He argued that Britain should not fear the consequences of applying this principle in political life.

Whether you agreed with him or not, he always had something interesting to say and he always said it in an interesting way. I might just try the chicken tikka massala on my next visit to an Indian restaurant.