Pious we can just about live with. Documentary front Assemblies all round Enthusiasm for regional assemblies is growing. The Guardian John Prescott is evangelical. The prime minister is sceptical.
Some ministers are enthusiastic.
But most are agnostic. Until recently, when the subject of English regional devolution was raised in the loftiest political meetings, support was at best tentative. Suddenly, however, a dormant issue is becoming active. Some even believe that Prescott's evangelism is converting hardened opponents. It happened in Scotland and Wales and I see no difference in England.