English Identity Beyond Race: Why the Right Keeps Questioning 2026

Can you be English and non-white? This question, recently reignited by former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, continues to plague political discourse. Sunak, the UK's first prime minister of colour, argued in a Times column that national identity should not be reduced to a DNA test. His comments came after a podcaster claimed he was not English because he was a "brown-skinned Hindu". Sunak described this as a "reverse Tebbit test" – a twist on the sociological concept that measures immigrant loyalty by which cricket team they support. His intervention highlights a persistent issue: why does the right keep questioning the Englishness of people of colour?

The Slippery Slope of Ethnic Nationalism

Sunak warned that saying someone isn't really English or British because they are not white puts us on a "very slippery slope". He acknowledged that some distinguish between English as an ethnic identity and British as a civic identity, but cautioned that such nuances are often lost on the public. This distinction, while academically useful, fails to capture the lived experience of many ethnic minorities who are routinely asked to prove their belonging.

The questioning of one's Englishness is deeply insidious. It is not always framed as overt racism; often, it hides behind "legitimate concerns" about immigration, crime, or jobs. Yet the underlying message remains: if you are not white, your Englishness is conditional, revocable, and always up for debate.

Why the Right Keeps Returning to This Question

The right's fixation on ethnic identity serves multiple purposes. It rallies a base that feels threatened by demographic change, distracts from policy failures, and reinforces a hierarchy where whiteness is the default. By framing Englishness as an ethnic category, they exclude millions who were born here, speak the language, and contribute to society. This exclusion is not just rhetorical; it has real consequences for social cohesion and individual well-being.

Data: Ethnic Minorities in the UK

The UK is increasingly diverse, yet the question of who counts as English persists. The table below shows the ethnic composition of England and Wales, highlighting the growing number of people from minority backgrounds who call themselves English.

These numbers underscore a simple truth: Englishness is not monochrome. It never was. From Roman Britons to Windrush generations, the story of England is one of migration and mixing.

Key Takeaways

• Englishness is not a DNA test – it is a shared identity open to all who call England home.
• The right's questioning of non-white Englishness is a political tactic that fuels division and undermines social cohesion.
• Rishi Sunak's intervention highlights the need to challenge ethnic nationalism and affirm a civic, inclusive English identity.
• Data shows that ethnic minorities are a growing part of the UK, yet they are still asked to prove their belonging.

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