The Union has accustomed all of us to a plural national identity. It is intrinsic in its nature that we have layers of political allegiance: we can comfortably be Scottish and British or Cornish and British or Pakistani and British. Our British identity is precious, at least partly because it derives not from ethnicity but from a loyalty that we choose to give. From that choice flows much of what is important about being British - our sense of fair play and tolerance and engagement with others and our obligations one to another.
Michael Wills M.P., of the Lord Chancellor's Office (4th November 2001)