Labour's lack of patriotism damaged it in England and the party must now "wrap itself" in the St George's Cross to win back voters, the shadow education secretary will say.

 

Tristram Hunt will tell the party it must embrace its English identity and embark on a "relentless" drive to build Labour's economic credibility if it is to return to power.

Backing plans for an English Labour Party, he will say it is also time for more devolution to towns and cities.

Voters are more likely to put their trust in nationalist or right-wing parties to defend the national culture and Labour must show it is proud to celebrate "love of country" to win back support, he will say in the speech in London.

The party must chart a course between the populist politics of Greece's Syriza and the resurgent right-wing as it now starts the rebuilding process, he will add.

Mr Hunt, who is backing Liz Kendall in the Labour leadership contest, will say: "We need to ally the emotional connection, the patriotism and the grassroots engagement - with a more obviously 'Blairite' approach to regaining trust with the public finances.

"A politics which is patriotic and prudent, compassionate and competent, emotionally intelligent and economically literate."

He will add: "The perception that centre-right and nationalist parties have a deeper and more emotional affinity with the nation, leads voters to lend them their trust when it comes to defending the national culture and interest.

"And that means the Labour Party here in England needs to catch-up or risk futility - because we cannot afford to ignore Labour's England problem.

"The Tories ruthlessly exploited concerns in England about the SNP during the election campaign. So we need to embrace our English identity, emphasise our English culture and rediscover the history of radical England.

"It is time for an English Labour Party to complement our Scottish and Welsh counterparts.