The connection between the environment and 'national' identity is also unconvincing, since ecological boundaries do not neatly follow political borders. But there is a clear link between ecology and culture. Climate and geography shape human societies, as increasingly acknowledged by political scientists, anthropologists and historians. They influence not only social organisation but mythology and folk custom, the arts, technological development, ethics and values. Talk of 'national identity' is outmoded.
Cultural identity is more important and of more lasting value.
That would be a positive alternative to the bloated EU bureaucracy and unlike the nation-state would have some chance of bringing 'market forces' under control. Such an arrangement does not preclude a confederation of the British Isles, whether on the basis of devolved government or England, Scotland, Wales, etc. co-operating as independent states. Shouldn't Third Way be about destupefying the population and encouraging people to think for themselves. The Spice Girls don't represent true 'popular culture', but the manipulation of ' the masses' by commercial interests. It is not surprising that they profess admiration for Thatcher - they are the logical conclusion of her nihilistic philosophy.