Wednesday is St.George's Day, and on Sky News we're looking at England, Englishness, and the ties which bind Britain together.

There are plenty of ways you can join in.  We'll be asking for your photos showing the best & worst of England, but first watch this video, and then tell us what you think of it:

Watch Sky News all day Wednesday for 'Disunited Kingdom': get some more reaction to the video, and see if your views get on air!

:: In the meantime, upload your images of England, and Britain to yourphotos.sky.com

PS: We wouldn't want our friends in Scotland or Wales to think either that we are ignoring you or that we have confused England with Britain.  The series is concentrating on England because it is St George's Day this week, but we'd love to hear what Scots and Welsh think about England and The Union.

Comments

[Ben Nevis, Edinburgh Jun 10, 2008 8:17:18 PM]

As a Scot working in England I have been to many towns and cities where English people (proper English people) are an increasing minority in their own overpopulated country.

Scotland is changing too; perhaps England and Scotland are now inappropriate names as they do not now reflect the different nationalities that, in reference to recent statistics, are set to become numerically dominant in the near future.

It is rather ironic however, that whilst British troops are defending our freedom in Afghanistan and Iraq, 100,000's of Afghan, Iraqi and Pakistani men sneak illegally through our borders and change the whole culture and safety of what was once England/Britain.

As a Scot, I am embarrassed by McClown, the damage that he, Bliar and NuLab (Numpties Use Levied Assets Badly) have inflicted on my country and the country of my English brothers.

Last Brit out, please turn off the lights.

[sidali May 21, 2008 12:08:11 AM]

for googness sick we all from planet earth english or scotish or african we all human being why make big fass about immigration let us not forget a reverse immigration too when many many bitish like the living in other foreigne contries around the world , its earth and each one of us own it so live and celebrate whatever you like where ever you want to be . half english men ,

[jammy southport May 12, 2008 7:05:19 PM]

THE BRITISH PEOPLE SHOULD FIGHT BACK FOR OUR COUNTRY AND FOR THE FLAG! WE ONCE RULED THE WORLD

RULE BRITANNIA

[martin green Apr 27, 2008 12:13:29 PM]

My definition of Englishness has always been of a tollerant people, who will help the 'under dog' the best they can.
We have a high breaking point in most matters, but pity those that take us lightly,be it politicians,immigrants,countries or religious zealots(aka Henry v111).

[Mike Hardman Apr 26, 2008 3:19:01 PM]

I must admit in 20 years time in the UK the language might be English, but the people will not be English and when I mean by British I mean by British. The UK has no appeal as a holiday destination. In June 2003 I went to the BA Ferris wheel in London and asked a young lady (Chinese) at the shop nearby for a chocolate ice cream, she could not understand me and a lady from Turkey helped me....were is your English !!!

[Mark Scotland Apr 25, 2008 3:15:53 PM]

To John in London: The British government has been doing away with Wales for the best part of a millenium and Scotland for the past 300 years. You are obviously used to a bit more competence from government down there in your castles, well welcome to the real world. Now the English had destroyed Scotland long ago as what it was, outlawing our languages and culture and then our people from the land, who were forced to emigrate. The Gaelic language was seen as base and barbaric and a disgrace, something that needed to be wiped out. Scotland has 90% of the UK's oil supplies. Most of it is sent to London and the government make a fortune from it. Do you know how rare it is to hear a Scottish accent on TV, I mean a real Scottish accent not any pretendy London-Scot? That's why I think there is a massive problem with the media which does not represent us all. I can only speak for Scotland not for England but I gather that London and the South-east of England are where all the jobs are, where all the investment goes, with northern England always left behind.

Oh and by the way Derek England, Loch Ness = a big loch in northern central Scotland, containing more freshwater than all the lakes in England and Wales combined. As if you didnt know :)

[Derek England Apr 25, 2008 10:57:12 AM]

Every St George's Day we get the same old question 'What is Englishness'? etc. etc. Yawn. I'm English and I don't feel the need to keep defining it.
Can we expect that on St Andrew's day the question 'What is Scottishness?' will be asked and on St Patrick's Day 'what is Irishness' and so on. Maybe on July 4th you could ask 'What is American ness' or July 14th 'What is Frenchness'. I would imagine you will get very similar answers.
How about 'What is Loch Ness?'

[Stephen Gash Apr 25, 2008 10:13:12 AM]

Today 25th April is Oliver Cromwell's birthday.
We should celebrate that as well.

[John London Apr 24, 2008 1:54:58 AM]

If you are English you need no guidence in understanding what it means to you or how you feel about it...and you should have an awareness of your history...The English should have their own Parliament..In my view for far far too long..the English have made up the largest numbers of contributers to most of what is achieved by Great Britain..and when you realise 80% of the GDP is created and earned in the South East of England and what immigration has provided in real terms in this area alone..you understand why more and more English people regard 'Britain' and its governments policies as an enemy who is doing away with England..while still expecting English people to be the largest financial contributer to its kitty..whilst many quasi non English intellects seem only to willing to be patronising smug & take the piss whilst enjoying all of the benefits we overwhelmingly create..the fact that these people can then say what a huge contribution they make and anyone who dissents from this total lie is racist...just goes to show how disenfranchised the English have become whilst paying for the UK..amazing that a reality like England has been done away with by a 'concept' like Britain...I wonder how the Welsh & Scottish feel about the 'British' Government doing away with them?

[Joe , Renfrewshire Apr 24, 2008 12:20:09 AM]

People in England should be allowed to celebrate being 'English' without fear of being ridiculed or being considered anti-British. The problem appears to be how English people are perceived.I have lived in Scotland for the greater part of my life and have travelled extensively throughout England , Wales & Northern Ireland and unfortunately I've only experienced condescending anti-scottish /stereotypical attitudes in the south of England - there's nothing wrong with being proud of being English, but don't be arrogant or elitist - England didn't win the war 'Britain' did ! unless we 'all' are willing to put aside our prejudice we will never be a United Kingdom.

[Mark Scotland Apr 23, 2008 9:12:51 PM]

Why do you claim that St Andrew's and St David's Days are celebrated as opposed to St George's? After living all my life in Scotland, I have never seen any celebrations here on St Andrew's Day.

The English are used to having everything their own way to the detriment of those subjugated. The highly-Scottish Labour Government in London is a product of this twisted legacy which is swamping Scotland, the fact that people here are under the belief that Scotland is a joke and cannot do things for itself. The English are historically a very sneaky and dangerous bunch to deal with.

How ironic that England is up in arms now that things are turned the opposite way on them and current government setup is unfair to them. I agree that only English MPs should vote on England-only matters. But get a grip. Now that the other countries (Scotland Wales N.Ire) are asserting themselves, England is wondering why the spotlight is not on them for once, and I say scrap the union, good luck England but we should all have a massive divorce and party.

It would stop all this bickering once and for all. England stop swamping the rest of us with your biased media.

[robo - spain Apr 23, 2008 8:55:38 PM]

I wrote in earlier and have to agree with most of the comments posted. I now live in Spain but had it been different 4 years ago, would still be living in England. England and being English is not something you can demand, buy or self-impose, it is many generations of a family's history and it is a thing that you keep in your heart wherever you live. I hope one day the politicians realise the feelings aired today and make my homeland the place it was, with enough jobs for our young, an education system and a health service that is not giving way under the strain. Maybe then future generations will feel something like the pride I feel today.

[Dave, Liverpool Apr 23, 2008 8:30:51 PM]

It is you jack of norwich who is confused Shakspeare was ENGLISH NOT ENGLISH and you wonder why people get angry

[Glenn Namibia Apr 23, 2008 7:48:27 PM]

What happened to the English? Uncontrolled immigration made you a nation of Asians and Africans. Good lord you even have Muslim Sirs in Parliament!!

[Rhys, Devon Apr 23, 2008 4:33:58 PM]

I disagree with the person that said english people behave like a bunch of idiots. English people dont behave like that all the time with their football shirts. Just because we where football our football or rugby shirts dosnt mean everyone behaves like idiots. I wear my football and rugby shirts for my local footy team or my rugby team because im proud of what part of England im from and im sure thats how many other people would agree with that.

Love you England

[Jack, Norwich Apr 23, 2008 3:56:01 PM]

The English say they are proud of their country but know little about it to justify their pride - how many appreciate Shakespeare, for example, whose birth is on 23 April? - his contribution to British and world culture is immense! I would be encouraged if English people knew more about what England and the English have contributed to the world, literature, science, legal system; while recognising some misconceptions - democracy, no that was the French, we still can't vote to decide on our head of state, or who legislates for us in the lords, or who is prime minister, that's all done through patronage and privilege. Many English talk in terms of race and being proud to be British, but the 'real' British are the so-called 'Celtic Fringe', Scots, Irish and Welsh, so what being English really means is often confused.

[Tracy, Germany Apr 23, 2008 3:45:47 PM]

I am and always have been proud to be English. But I dispair of our rapidly declining national identity and lack of values that was once so much the core of English society.
I find it particularly disturbing that the St.George's cross now seems to have become synonomous with racscism for some. Thereby making it extremely difficult to fly the flag without worries of how others will interpret it. It almost feels as if I'm not allowed to be English, let alone have a St.George's day!
As a nation we've fallen prey to the ever so politicaly correct brigade to such an extent that it's now become "wrong" to show pride in one's country. Ireland, Scotland and Wales freely celibrate their country and it's heritage. But the English seem to be left to flounder in a sea of PC. England's rose is not so much watered as drowning.

[Mark, Crawley Sussex Apr 23, 2008 3:14:32 PM]

Sky and it's St George's Day "idea of a celebration is to bang on about Little Britain and Britishness and this disunited Kingdom.
Get over it Sky, Great Britain, The U.K or whatever else you want to call it is over. Scots, Welsh and Irish CELEBRATE their national days- How about trying it Sky? It would make better television and show you are still in touch with the population.

[Mark, Crawley Sussex Apr 23, 2008 2:56:36 PM]

We must leave 'Little Britain' to manipulating politicians and the media. It suits Gordon Brown to try to convince us we are all 'Little Britons. but it is time to forget the jolly old empire and colonial flag along with the deliberately contrived BBC ploy of using the title British when they mean English.
The English are here,they will stay here. We must always remember they gave their name to England when they invaded and occupied the land in 455 AD.
Most English people nowadays consider themselves to be English NOT British. How many more years do we have to keep saying this on St. George's Day?
I believe that none of our media actually KNOW how to celebrate St GEORGE's DAY properly. Thankfully the rest of England do, and this evening I shall be enjoying an English pint, a hog roast,morris men dancing and an English themed pub quiz.
It really is tiresome that instead of navel gazing that any channel can't celebrate with us isn't it?

[Kathy, West Mids Apr 23, 2008 2:48:20 PM]

I am English, proud to be so and have my English flag up today.
However, I always seem to be the only one in our street and I do feel that a lot of my fellow Englishmen and women are apathetic when it comes to showing national pride and are too scared of being labelled un-pc, racists or football hooligans. In fact, I am fed up of all the flak that we English have to put up with. Well, sod the local councils/PC brigade - just get yer flags out!!!

I am also married to a Welshman and we both agree that St. George's Day and St. David's Day should be made public holidays.

[P Rees Nerw Hampshire US Apr 23, 2008 2:25:47 PM]

I am ENGLISH and VERY proud of it. I now live in the US and return to ENGLAND every year. On my last visit I hardly recognized it, I was looking at mosques where a local market used to be,I walked round the local mall and did not understand a word that was spoken by the local!!! population. I love ENGLAND wherever I may roam and I think that is the point,if you are truly ENGLISH you never forget what today means.
To all the ENGLISH people
around the world:
HAPPY ST. GEORGES DAY
RULE BRITANNIA!!!!!

[Avril, London Apr 23, 2008 1:39:19 PM]

I am Irish and live in London and would only be delighted to see the english celebrating their patron Saint.The english always join in in our St Pat's celebrations and we would happily do the same. Who cares if he was Turkish. Saint Patrick was actually welsh!

[Sarah, London Apr 23, 2008 1:38:43 PM]

I wish we would be more patriotic. Other countries are not afraid to celebrate their national days. It would be nice if St. George's Day was a national holiday. The only time when we are really patriotic is when England are playing in the World Cup for Football or Rugby. We should not be ashamed of who we are and fly the flag with pride!

[John Hyde Apr 23, 2008 12:58:49 PM]

Because of immigration, and multiculuralism, this country has gone down the toilet. Whereas where we once HAD a national identity, the Empire, and all that sort of thing, we no longer celebrate British history, in case it offends "ethnic minorities," because of the so-called bad things we`ve done. This country has done far more good than bad, anyday. WE shouldn`t say sorry for The Slave Trade-it was 200 years ago for goodness sake. Even Gordon Brown said a few years ago, that "The time for Britain saying sorry for it`s past deeds are over." Do you think he remembered what he said? I doubt it.

[LEO KELLY ESSEX ENGLAND Apr 23, 2008 12:52:10 PM]

Having watched your item on St Georges Day. it was interesting to see the following live coverage of Prime Ministers Questions. I could not spot one Rose wearer on the Labour Side and even on the Opposition benches just a few on the second Bench.
It would be interesting to see the same House on St Pat's or Davids day!
Does this reflect the true feeling of our politicians regarding England and the English.

[Nia, Aberystwyth Apr 23, 2008 12:03:52 PM]

"PS: We wouldn't want our friends in Scotland or Wales to think either that we are ignoring you or that we have confused England with Britain. The series is concentrating on England because it is St George's Day this week, but we'd love to hear what Scots and Welsh think about England and The Union."

This is why the UK is disunited. Oh, so we Welsh/Scottish get a token post script, and the Northern Irish don't even get a mention?

This is being conducted 'because it's St George's Day'? How convienient.

I could tell you what Englishness is to me, but it'd be a very skewed view from a Welshwoman, which the wording of this survey, however sincere its intentions, has done nothing to change.

[shikira Apr 23, 2008 12:03:31 PM]

This is a silent anguish the Romans are to blame for the emergence of new Welsh and old English in a society that has never quite been able to settle in comfort with one another. The English have Celts just as Europe have the Sami - culture just as religion have their own indifferences and whilst this remains, there will always be a divide.

The real issue on this subject however, is that when we intergrate one culture into another, there will be an inevitable inequality that applies to all and because the government refuse to invest in either. It is about the under and lower middle sections of society having to fight for what few resources there are with added stress and this suits the bizarre economy quite well. We are all chess piecies in a much bigger arena than we are led to beleive.

[Anthony Rodgers. Sheffield Apr 23, 2008 11:59:14 AM]

I agree that Britain should be multicultural, However, We have now started to lose our own identities. Despite the fact that this Government has done more to destroy the British way of life than anyone. We used to be an island, Self sufficient. This has gone, We could sit around the piano and have a smoke and a pint, That has gone, We were able to punish our children when they broke the law. That has gone. We have a drug problem a serious crime problem. Yet this Government are in denial. We can cure much of the crime but this Government will not listen. A so called civilized country, Where we hide our stains, Homelessness, Not very serious say our Government. Yet it is very serious, Also a cause of crime. Debt, Far too many young people now in debt. We are no longer a fair and just country. We have a devided society. We have devided communities. Yet we are fed propoganda every day and many of us fall for it. WE have become a Police State, Westminster full of wannabe dictators.

[Gemma, Luton Apr 23, 2008 11:47:56 AM]

yes i am proud to be english, but we cannot class our selves as this these days as it upsets others living in england that arent english.
we are classed as british..
on an application form there is a box for scottish, irish, welsh and just british not english!
how are we supposed to celebrate st georges day as englishmen/women when it goes against the minorities living in our country!
we werent allowed xmas lights in the town centre because of ethnicity and now st georges day is being dampened as we are not allowed to fly st georges flag as it offends not english habitants of this country! i think its ridiculous!

[Chertsey Apr 23, 2008 11:47:52 AM]

I am British, we should remain British. If we become broken up into individual countries we will all become much weaker in the European Union. St George's day is important to me as an English person within the British Isles, it gives me a sense of belonging an identity. But my security comes from being part of a Union that I feel should not be broken. The present government have separated the people of Britain, encouraging segregation by culture or religion. Mass immigration has encouraged many people to this country who do not share the values or care very much for the environment in which they live in. Some people come from a culture where they are not valued and they view other people in the same way. This brings fear and an uncertain future. The only way forward is to curb immigration, encourage integration. The people who make a new life in this country should embrace our traditions and culture. Racism will not go away from any society while the inhabitants feel there way of life is under threat.

[Charles Ward North Wales Apr 23, 2008 11:41:24 AM]

Englishness is almost a distant memory to me. Traitors have conspired to rewrite the history books and destroy our heritage.
I remember when the United Kingdom was a soveriegn island country just off the coast of Europe. We ruled ourselves and many other countries accepted our wonderful laws and made them their own.
I remember when Europe was a continent, just like the Americas, Africa, antarctica etc. Now, Europe is almost a country, set to engulf Great Britain, make us all primarily European, and secondarily British.

[J - Lincolnshire Apr 23, 2008 11:38:00 AM]

Hi I am 15. I want to know why this goverment is letting us down. Why can we NOT celebrate our country so as not to offend anyone. These anyones should maybe go back to their own country if they are insulted over here. Our country is being bled dry. Quite a few people I know are emigrating to Spain as they are being treated more as British/English over there than over here. When I am old enough I will probably do the same. We cannot intergrate with these people as they don't want to. All they want is the money and the handouts that our goverment is prepared to give them. When our country is bled dry where will they go then? Australia? I don't think so, America, New Zealand, Germany, India, China, Non of these as they have strict rules to ensure that their countries survive. My grandad fought a war to keep our country and still lives everyday with the memories of it, and what has the goverment done basically sold every soldier that fought and lived or died down the river. We may well have just surrenedered and saved thousands of lives. We fought wars so that we kept England/Britain, why bother we have just handed it over anyway. If I was old enough I would start a petition on the web and in the papers to show the goverment we have had enough of being ruled in our own country and its time we got it back. Help other countries if we have to but in their own countries and get some of the bigger countries on board to help. We are one of the smallest countries, why are we taking on the BIGGEST problems.

[craig Apr 23, 2008 11:18:40 AM]

Iam proud to be english.The problem is the pc liberals and the most anti english government in history make it almost impossible to show it without offending someone somewere in this country,or being branded a racist.I have just read this morning that the St Georges parade in Bradford has been cancelled due to health and safety.We all know the real reason.Its the pc police scared of causing offence to the minority,it makes my blood boil.

[Tim. New Zealand Apr 23, 2008 11:01:49 AM]

The sad fact is I feel more English living in New Zealand tha I do in England (oops I mean the UK, or Great Britain, or Britain or British Isles or whatever)

Who are we, again?

[Melanie Duxbury, Lancashire. Apr 23, 2008 10:46:27 AM]

Most of the people I know are proud to be English, as am I, but the ever increasing numbers if immigrants are gradually diluting the true meaning of Englishness. A stricter and more selective immigration policy, together with generous incentives to repatriate people to their country of origin, appears to be the only sensible way forward. Multi-culturism will surely strangle Englishness if we continue to allow it to flourish.

[Athelstan, grandson of Alfred, Wessex. Apr 23, 2008 10:43:28 AM]

Oh, by the way. A propos Sir Arthur Wellesley, aka Duke of Wellington who was indeed born in Ireland; and when accused of being an Irishman replied that a horse cannot choose the stable in which it is born.

[Athelstan, grandson of Alfred, Wessex. Apr 23, 2008 10:41:14 AM]

Thanks to Gwyn of Cardiff for reminding us that the chief distinguishing feature of Welshness is hatred of the neighbours. As for the Scots' contempt for the Union - it was cobbled together in order to bail Scotland out of bankrupcy following its disastrous attempt at colonialism; it was Scotland that benefitted most both from the Union and the Empire - and when Scots felt that there were better ways of getting rich - i.e. North Sea oil, they decided that they'd had enough of the Union. Left to the Scots, the oil would still be under the North Sea. May they depart swiftly, taking their bloody Declaration of Arbroath with them. We, who gave the world Magna Carta, Parliamentary government and English common law can live better without them. The dog's dinner we now have of a constitution cannot last. Beware of the Saxon when he murmurs "This is not fair dealing." We, the people of England, have yet to speak. When we do, many wrongs will have to be put right, not least the interference of self-described "Celts" in our affairs..

[Barry Lichfeld Apr 23, 2008 10:35:34 AM]

This country has been sold down the river by consecutive governments. English pride is seen as something to be sneared at and reviled. I for one don't want to be classed as "European" which seems to be the end game of our politicians. Why are we the dumping ground for asylum seakers and migrant workers? Why is it I have to pay my taxes to support foreigners when I would not get a penny if I planted myself and my family on their doorstep?
Am I proud to be an Englishman? Yes. Am I proud of my countries politics? Most certainly not!!

[Jennifer Clark - Sunderland Tyne and Wear Apr 23, 2008 10:28:34 AM]

I consider myself English a dose my husband, but unfortunatly these days i do not find anything about that to be proud of. We have no immagration control and unlike other countries we are to scared to say "you are welcome to live here but follow our culuture" as we have turned into a nanny state and a dumping ground for Europe, to scared of offending other cultures so we butcher our culture, belifs and traditions, some times losing them alltogether, to be 'politicaly correct'. In France or Spain you need to speak there language, follow there laws regardless of your religous standpoint, take part in there traditions not butcher them to fit your requirements,fit into there way of life not bend there culture and rules to fit you.Being English is about being proud, countryside, rain,fish and chips, cups of tea,cricket,love of animals, politness,Queens English,standing up for what you belive in and being loyal. A note to the goverment stop being embarrased and appologising for our national heritage leaves us to call christmas ,christmas and not winterville, allow us to fly our flag without being accused of being racist or afraid of upseting any one, stop being a nanny state and give us our pride back as a nation maybe thats the problem with the thugs/kids of today and national pride and identity are missing for them.

[Ratty Apr 23, 2008 10:17:14 AM]

Is there any hope at all when Anna Botting can't even pronounce patriotism?

[Tim. New Zealand Apr 23, 2008 10:13:19 AM]

I am English and with it I am proud even though I live in Christchurch, New Zealand.

I am sat here listening to the Last night of the Proms (all the classics).

I have a Barmy Army, St Georges Cross hanging outside

And I am proud to be ENGLISH (not british)

Happy St Georges Day to all people, but especially to all the English away from the MOTHERLAND ( I put that in capital letters as it is our day)

Tim

[Tim. New Zealand Apr 23, 2008 9:54:15 AM]

I am in favour of us all going our seperate ways and lets see who survives. Or maybe not .... we have so much going for us at the moment......
I am ENGLISH, not Welsh, Scottish, Irish or other
I love being English.
I live in NZ and all I have with my in-laws is their Scottish ancestory, we are talking bagpipes, kilts and highland dancing.. make the hurting stop!!!!...
But....I wouldn't have it any other way.
I sit here, watching England v Germany, (the 5-1 version)on St Georges Day,

God save the Queen

Happy St Georges Day Everyone

[A, Bedfordshire Apr 23, 2008 9:49:40 AM]

Like most of the other people who have commented.
I am very proud to be English.
I am bringing my children up to know their history, right or wrong,(as they are not gettig taught at school) and allowing them the chance to be proud of their English heritage.Being English IS NOT defined by ones colour,or religion, or political opinion, so why is it that Imran Khan was slated for wearing a Union Jack. He is British and proud of it!! But that is the problem nowadays, we are made to feel ashamed of our flag,our heritage and our nationality.
WELL- NO MORE!!!!!
I AM ENGLISH
I AM PROUD
And if you dont like the fact that an English woman, living in England is proud - then it is you who has the problem, not ME!

[James Apr 23, 2008 9:43:41 AM]

We English have shaped the modern world the way it is today with technology,transport,medicine and sport,no other country can compare to what we have achieved,no four corners of the globe can you travel without seeing other nations using elements of our culture for their own benefit,from Parliamentary democracy,computers,transport and sport in the shape of Football,Rugby,cricket,snooker etc,we kickstarted the world with the industrial revolution and the whole world speaks our very own jewel in the crown beautiful English language and we were the only country in Europe who stood up against Hitler and defeated him to save other cultures from destruction,quite simply the English have the most prominent distinctive culture on earth and we are all responsible for standing up and fighting back against the anti English liberal PC elite who are hell bent on it's destruction,England expects...every man to do his duty,we are the English,happy st Georges day to all.

[sally Apr 23, 2008 9:40:19 AM]

I have already posted a message on this,and after reading all the stories I started crying.Its so sad what has happened to the precious England that we once had.Im 41 and very proud to be English as was my grandfather who fought for this country along with many thousands... Fly your flags with pride its the only thing we have left now,Happy St Georges Day........

[Arun Midlands Apr 23, 2008 9:33:40 AM]

I am of indian decent born in England. I feel im english because I was born here, educated here and now trying to make my life here. I am 21 and I don't like what is happening to this country. There is no patriotism. For me the only way I feel comfortable expressing my nationality (not my ethnicity) is through football I love supporting england simply because I feel pride doing so Americe is ethnically diverse yet in school patriotism is a given, black, hispanic, asian, white See themselves as American first that is the key point we have to consider. HOwever when it comes to St.Georges day I feel I do not have the right to celebrate. I feel a mere spectator and if I did I would get frowned upon from all quarters beacuse what is a brown man celebrating St Geroges day?? In primary school when we were taught about the war we were told to speak to our grandparents who probably fought in the war, yet I could not connect with that as my indian grandfather was in no such war YET I AM GRATEFUL thos who did beacuse I would not be alive in England today. My school year was predominantly white and although I got on very well I still felt an outside and I think I was considered an outsider. Ironically if i went to some isolated asian communities and in India I would too be considered an outsider and there is an equally offensive (for me) term for 'people or are indian but born in england' that is the equivallent of **** in this country. Yet despite this feeling of Alienation, which I think all races feel in this country, I would love to give back to England one day the promise it has given. I pledge allegiance to no other persons, other than the people I care about, I feel I owe no other person anything but I OWE ALOT TO ENGLAND and without her I would not be who I am and I do not want this country to be a laughing stock. PS My career could possibly require me to work around the globe, yet when it comes to having children and I am working in Italy or USA for example I would want my kids to be bought up here....depending on how things pan out. THe government is a TOOL OF THE PEOPLE, NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND. THIS TENSION/CONFUSION/ANGER COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED.

[George, Dundee Apr 23, 2008 9:22:11 AM]

I believe that the United Kingdom should be dis-banded and all the nations with-in it should be made independent. There is no such thing as Britishness as the 4 nations all have separate identities and cultures. The English for centuries had hijacked the Union Jack and waved it as THEIR own flag, now all of a sudden they are waving St.George crosses! Why ? Because Scotland, Wales & N.Ireland have got devolution and a wee bit of independence and now the English are scared. Let them have independence along with the rest of us and these islands will be a lot happier.

[Andy Wallace Apr 23, 2008 9:10:11 AM]

I don't know who the woman was on sunrise this morning when she was reeling off the names of English heroes (loved the mention of Mr Bean), but the Duke of Wellington was certainly not English! He was born in Dublin and spent his childhood in County Meath, part of the Province of Leinster. Thought Eamonn Holmes would have said something?

[Bryan WOOD, Hereford Apr 23, 2008 8:45:45 AM]

I consider myself to be English but along with a high percentage of others, I feel that this Goverment, primarily Scottish, is doing its utmost to destroy any form of patriotic identity, unless Scottish, of course. Most of the time if you express the thought that you are English, you are classed as being a racist. We should all be proud to be English but, when you have an unelected Scottish Prime Minister who does not care about anything but himself clamping down on any form of patriotism, is it any wonder that patriotism is seen as a dirty word. Many of our National celebrations have been eroded due to the politically correct brigade making sure that these celebrations are now being ignored just in case they upset a minority group.

[Susan, Kuwait Apr 23, 2008 8:39:31 AM]

Ditto to everything Chris from Dubai has said. British expatriates are respected and held in high regard in this part of the world, so why should it be different at home.I am very proud to call myself English, remember guys the grass always looks greener on the other side. Opportunity is there for the taking just look at all the immigrants who have come and taken advantage of our good nature over the years,and still. We have a beautiful country, it has its faults, but so does everywhere. It is our country, be proud of it, keep the Great in Great Britain, its in our hands.

[Alan, Cork Apr 23, 2008 8:38:58 AM]

Plastic Patriotism!! 20 years ago (yes I am old enough to remember), was any of this such an issue? What does how British you are or how standardly Britishly you behave have anything to do with crime and a general apathy spreading throughout the country and the world? Take a look how much the world itself has changed in 20 years and ask yourself what other factors may be at fault? Multinational corporations, the emphasis on speed and importance of time and money and efficiency and not wasting any of the former......it started in the 80's with the birth of Yuppies and worship of the dollar above all else......

how much time, real free time do people have these days? How many more people are 'stressed'? Have a look around the world and tell me where is patriotism still important (taken for granted) and where is it an issue (grandstanded)?

[Villan - South Africa Apr 23, 2008 8:33:51 AM]

Do the politicians, who have screwed up my beloved land, ever read and take note of the comments of home-grown Brits, English people in particular? They have completely destroyed the culture of the magnificent little island that took real values to the rest of the world. It has become hybrid and the locals must 'put up or shut up'. St. George forever and damn the politicians.

[Tony Briens, Radcliffe, Greater Manchester Apr 23, 2008 8:27:03 AM]

On the subject of being proud to be English, which I am, go on any website where you can need to fill in your address from a selection of countries, try to find one that offers England as a choice, U.K.seems to be the only one available, Why?

[lizzy living abroad Apr 23, 2008 8:24:29 AM]

I am proud to be English, and it means even more to me because I live abroad. But when I see English flags, images etc. more than anything I feel sad as England is not as it was when I was young, or even 20 years ago. When I speak to English people abroad they are always pulling England down, talking about violence, bad government and having to be politically correct and they are right of course. I think English people, myself included, didn't realise what a great country and life we had up till the 60's and 70's. I think that televìsion and bad journalism makes the problem worse, pointing out the negative things continually. I live in Italy and its the same here now, you have to choose the programmes you watch or switch off the television which is probably better. I'm not saying that we should put our heads into the sand, but don't forget that during the 2nd World War being positive was very important. Here in Italy being patriotic isn't frowned upon as it is at home, and we seem to have a certain embarressment to show our feelings (apart from at a football match) Maybe its up to us to change and to be more proud of being English without thinking that it is an old fashioned idea. It's up to everyone to make England great again, maybe making a start by being more patriotic.

[John Chatwin Apr 23, 2008 8:17:00 AM]

Until England is treated as an equal with the three other nations of the United Kingdom.unity will continue to weaken.
Fiscal benefits and taxation must be fair.
English schools must teach English history in the same way that the other three nations are encouraged to do so.
Political equality; we must have our own parliament.
So, politically, fiscally and culturally we must have equality for the Union to continue.
John Chatwin
Norwich

[Jamie - Greece Apr 23, 2008 8:05:15 AM]

I love the Royals. I love the Flag. I love England.....as it was. I except the need for diversity but as England is England we feel the need to follow all the rules and not upset anyone so we cannot say no to immigration because of the fear we are breaking the rules or coming across racist. The fact is all other European countries still control their cultural heritage and only allow what is essential to their country,but England is scared of this so we except everyone. We have lost our history, our culture. STOP bending over to European parliament and stand up for yourself like we used to and then maybe I will come back to live in the country I love.

[Allan Murray Liverpool Apr 23, 2008 8:03:29 AM]

Since Labour came to power they made England and Englishness dirty words.
They have refused to give England and the English the same democratic rights as the rest of the uk.
Labour tried to break England up in to regions we have had top Labour mp's state the English dont exist ( Robin cook and J Prescot ).
English cancer sufferers are left to die while there Scottish counterparts recieve cancer treatedment which is denied some English cancer sufferers.
Am proud of being English its just ashame i cant have equality with other members of this crumbling uk.
And i blame Labour for how England has been treated and how they have treated the people of England as 2nd class citizens in there own country.
I say to the rest of England happy St Georges day

[John Powell Coventry Apr 23, 2008 7:41:53 AM]

I am disgusted by SKY NEWS taking a typical boring media view that today is about a United KIngdom or not.... For god sakes get it your thick skulls, today April 23rd is about us proud english and not the United Kingdom. It is idiots like yourselves that are promoting the demise of St Georges day...
I am English and proud of it!!!!

[Steve Miles. Bourne End Apr 23, 2008 7:35:18 AM]

Why are the presenters not flying the flag for ENGLAND.

My Flag is flying.

This is an ENGLISH day, not a British day.

Stop showing the Union Jack.

Maybe we should have 2 bank holidays, 1 for ENGLAND, 1 for BRITIAN.

Steve

[Andrew, Motherwell Apr 23, 2008 7:08:00 AM]

I think if Engerlund were in the European Championships (football), then this pole would have a totally different look to it. During the football and rugby is the only time England gets it's flags out. The rest of the time, if the George cross is out then you are put across as being a racist beer swilling lout.
Still interesting to see how many of the English still see the Union Jack is the English flag though!! (Disunited Kingdom photos on the main page) Until that is addressed you will always have a problem promoting the George cross.

[Lozza Apr 23, 2008 6:52:30 AM]

I feel British and am proud to be British...on the contary to other's thoughts, being "English", "Scottish" and "Welsh" has been damaging and I think people need to stop the negativity and have some national pride. It's the opinions of some on this blog that need changing, not Britain

[Ryan Bristol Apr 23, 2008 6:43:26 AM]

Lets have it right, this country has been obsessed with everything ethnic for the past 25 years and this includes the Celts. Englishness has been swept under the carpet by the PC brigade whilst we have all been sleeping in suburbia self obsessed by house prices and big TV's. Nobody raises an eyebrow unless it's in their own back yard so we only have ourselves to blame. This country needs a revolution where the indigenous English population regain control of our country, effect policies that benefit our people first. Close the borders, stop the minorities dictating policy in their favour whilst we all pay for it. Look at your taxes and look where it is going. Is it benefiting the English? No! Wake up, find your national pride and identity and do something about it. THIS IS ENGLAND!

[Simon, Portsmouth Apr 23, 2008 6:27:05 AM]

Most people seem to think this country has got worse over the past 20 years but many parts of peoples lives have infact got better. There is so much negative media that people think this country is in a mess, we have always had low level criminals who cause trouble. Its just today we have a media that jumps on bad news.

Its all very well blaming the government for failing to promote St Georges day and "englishness" / "Britishness" no one is stopping people from celebrating today.

Im proud to be, English, British, and European :)

[David - Australia Apr 23, 2008 3:38:47 AM]

I was born in England but have lived in Australia since I was 18 (3 years). Australia's day is known as Australia Day. This day is a public holiday which is celebrated by having a BBQ, Fireworks displays and doing all things Aussie. This date is a date that has stuck in my head since arriving in Australia and its a day that everyone looks forward to. Its no surprise that if someone was to ask me what date is St George's day I would have no idea?!! Enough said.

[Tim. New Zealand Apr 23, 2008 3:22:57 AM]

I am very proud to be English. Saying that, I live in New Zealand and have done for 14 years. Everything that is fantastic about being English has been eroded away, to the point that I would only now want to spend a quick holiday there seeing my relatives. I love England to bits, but I am not sure what Englishness(not Britishness)means anymore.
This has all come from a political party that has completely gone mad...higher violent crime rates and soft punishments for these crimes, teachers getting assaulted at school, no respect for police. To cap it all, as Joe from Hull said, a prime minister in power that nobody voted for.
But I am English and proud of it,

Happy St Georges Day to everyone and anyone that wants to celebrate it worldwide

[robert lloyd kentucky usa Apr 23, 2008 2:55:25 AM]

hi iam english i was born in london in 1958 in tottenham lived there all my life until i moved to usa in 2005.

i love england but the country is out of control they have let to many imagrants in to suck the
counrty dry. and take our herritage engalnd is dying fast in 20 years time i dread to think wat it would be like
it is been taken over by every natonality i can think
of . and now they are taking the old red telephones boxes
away to another important part of england icons it should not be happning . the country has gone to the dogs '
its finished . and cannot be saved its far to late now . the damge is done . its not a matter now of god save the queen . its god save england . to face the fact england is finished .
.

[Dan McLean Apr 23, 2008 1:53:07 AM]

Englishness is the problem, this is Britain not England and as long as the people of Britain keep refering to Britain as English then it drawn a larger wedge between England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. I am pround to be British but Im not English, and if Britain is kept being refered to as English then I will be no longer proud to be as such.

[Sandra, Nowich, Norfolk Apr 23, 2008 1:10:16 AM]

I fill in many forms that NEVER ask if you are ENGLISH just UK...I HATE LOATHE & DESPISE it!!! I'm NOT English/Welsh/Irish/Scottish
...I'm ENGLISH...& it seems ENGLISH is no longer white but black, green, yellow, purple or martian coloured...
ENGLAND for the ENGLISH is what I say...as for the schools...don't get me started...the ones my grandchildren attend...I'd use swear words but they wouldn't be printed...I'd give my real thoughts but they wouldn't be printed either as I'd be considerd colour prejudiced...of course I am when it comes to being a TRUE ENGLISHMAN!!! ENGLISH people are NOT Chinese Canadian Welsh Scottish Irish Japanese Australian Norwegian African ...I could go on & on & name every counry in the world...A TRUE ENGLISHMAN can go back HUNDREDS of years...5 OR 15 generations does NOT MAKE YOU ENGLISH...get real...ENGLAND is NO LONGER ENGLISH...ENGLAND is full of FOREIGENRS who CALL themselves ENGLISH...people have to realise that the country they were born in, the colour & the creed they were born to is what they are...they just can't come into this country & call themselves ENGLISH...IT'S NOT RIGHT...& THE STUPID GOVERNMENT ARE TO BLAME...NO MATTER WHO'S IN CHARGE...THEY JUST LET 'EM IN TO CLAIM TO BE ENGLISH...etc etc etc etc...

[lynn, Bath Apr 23, 2008 12:10:22 AM]

I'm a British Citizen and feel very grateful towards this nation for giving me the opportunity to become one. I arrived on these shores in 1997. Watched Labour take control and ever since, have witnessed the decline of a country on the same scale as that of a 3 world country.

The horrific human rights act allows for criminal elements to rule Britannia whilst we become prisoners in our own home. Hooded yobs reign supreme, spitting, swearing, vandalising, attacking and creating a general feeling of unease, whilst our police force look on helplessly.

The mentality of entitlement to social benefits creates monsters, whilst those who are in desperate need have to fight for it, others are allowed to use it as a hammock.

Thanks Blair for taking us down the road to nowhere. Now Brown follows suit.

Is there any party out there that will listen to the people, once and for all? Any willing to take action?

Something has to be done to get rid of the current scourge that is turning this country into a cesspit of crime and filth.

Enough is enough.

[AT Apr 22, 2008 11:39:45 PM]

I think the English should be proud and celibrate St Georges day. I don't understand why you don't want independence like Scotland and Wales after all we are always being told that England subsidises these countries. Perhaps if that were true there would be no unionist parties??

Also isn't it strange though that whenever someone here mentions what it is to be British it is always an English person? Isn't Britain an English concept?

[Sandra Goebel - Germany Apr 22, 2008 11:30:16 PM]

I moved to Germany 18 years ago but visit England 3-4 times a year sometimes I wonder where I am when I see a person walking along the street all I can see is a pair of eyes the rest of the body is covered in black or blue who are they how did they get in my country? I thought when in Rome do as the Romans do. If they commit a crime how can you describe this person? How do their children recognise them? How do they get a husband when you cannot see what the person looks like? To me it is so incorrect? Why do they want to look this way? To me it is really frightening to see like a horror movie its so alien. Please I ask these people to go back to wheree they come from and where they fit in with the crowd who look exactly the same outfit. I do not like it. Please go away and take all your muslim beliefs with you and leave all of us Britons to live a Christian life in Briton just how it should be - so please go away.

Sandra Germany

[Keith, Germany Apr 22, 2008 11:25:40 PM]

I think a little ribbing between the UH nations is healthy keeping each on it's toes. However, I am one of the few who wants the home nations to do well in sporting events. (except when they are against England)

I realise this becomes when it comes to the crunch and I am in a far flung land I know I could sit and drink with a Englishman, Welshman, Scotsman or Irishman and if there was trouble brewing I would want one of them by my side long before any other nationality.

They should fly their flags on St Davids, Andrews and Paddy's day and we should fly ours on St George's day.

And keep British British by making tea with boiling water not lukewarm

[Johnny Carr. Dubai UAE Apr 22, 2008 10:50:51 PM]

I think its a discrace how we have systematically given our country away with no thought being given to our own heritige and to what we will leave for our children. I now choose to live in a Muslim country, which is truely multi-racial, but which clearly lays down the rules when we arrive here. We have entry tests for residents visas, we are tested for major diseases, we are not allowed to preach our religion on the streets, drugs are not tolerated, you need a license to buy alcoholand there is no democratic government. What does all this add up to? A wonderful safe environment with very little crime and almost zero racilism. I consider myself ENGLISH but I am ashamed of my country and the pathetic government that has no clue what British means.....

[Lulu, Lincs Apr 22, 2008 9:55:46 PM]

When will we all wake up and smell the coffee, it is all well and good moaning on a web site about how bad being English is. Being English is wonderful and we shold be proud the piont of being English is you have the freedom to make choices speak out about issues you care about. But when it comes to speaking out and trying to make a difference no-one votes, no-one take a sand, no being English means taking all manner of punishment and not saying a word. DON'T WHINE STAND UP AND BE COUNT MAKE YOUR PM'S AND THUS GOVERNMENT TO LISTEN BEFORE IT IS REALLY TOO LATE.

[Steve Harvey, Illinois USA Apr 22, 2008 9:37:36 PM]

What does it mean to be English? I don't know, but I'm as proud as I can be for being English. I live in the US now, and I agree with some of the comment about how easy it is to be English in another country. I have an English and American flag out side our house, I have a St.George's Day party and all the American friends I nvite love it. We as a nation need to stand up, tell the PC brigade to **** off and get on with being proud again.
Good luck to the Scots and Welsh for being nationalistic and getting away with it. The English need to stop giving a damn about what anyone else says. Gordon Brown? Ha, hit the road jock, and take all your mates with you.

[Gwyn Cardiff Apr 22, 2008 9:28:26 PM]

The only reason the Irish have Saint Pat's day is that the English tried to make them English. Historically the English are notable for their intolerence and violence. That is why English is widely spoken not because it is in any way better. In fact it's rather bland and bizzare.

There seeems to be more than a hint of a yearning for a past racial purity in this subject. Well, show me a pure nation, now or past, and I'll show you Cloud Coocoo Land.

Englishness (as referred to here) is SPIN. Shakespear never existed, he was a nom de plume; the anthem is celebrating Louis 14th of France having recovered from an operation to remove a pustule from his ****; English Britishness was invented in WW1 (until then they called the Welsh "British". The English, and the language are Germanic; and their "democracy" is infact an "appoint-ocracy".

I despise Unionism which is an aggressive English Nationalism. It's time England grew up and acknowledged the rights of the the Welsh and Scots (they already want to off-load N. Ireland).

It's ironic that the English are worried by immigrants. Even more so that some thing the solution is to live in another country full of foreigners!!! Immigration can be a problem. The solution is to solve the situation they're fleeing from. You'll never stop them otherwise. From my my point of view they could make England a better less intolerent neighbour to an independent Wales and Scotland.

[Adam Kendal Apr 22, 2008 9:21:04 PM]

We are proud people, no one has the right to take away anyones patriotism. Us English have a lot to be proud of, anyone stopping you from celebrating that heritage is scared of it!

[Buckinghamshire Apr 22, 2008 9:01:12 PM]

There is no English or England. We're not allowed it as we'd be inappropriate otherwise (sarcasm). The first thing we as 'English' should reconsider is some of the old fashioned courtesy. Where has that gone these days ? We are becoming as ignorant as some of the other 'cultures' who have not been educated into the English ways of understanding. Working in the public field it's a shame to see how we have become (generalising now)a nation of rudeness, arrogance and impatience - now that's not very English, is it ?!!

[gill boston lincs Apr 22, 2008 8:03:46 PM]

i am english born to english parents and gran parents and i am proud to be english but i dont like the way we are being pushed around by the people who have come here to live in my country and these stupid people the p c brigade telling us what we must do and taken away our english ways of life eg like a man having a pint and a smoke in his pub

[jax Manchester Apr 22, 2008 6:57:56 PM]

what is going on, I am english and proud of it, my children do not get the chance to celebrate christmas in school but do celebrate eide and dimwali, christmas decorations are found to be offensive, we have to be very careful what we say incase it upsets someone from another culture, we have millions of people unemployed and homeless,yet this stupid bunch of so called politicians will not look at the immigration problem,terrorists are being watched by the security services, why watch them kick them out,there are areas in the city that are not safe to go to as a white person,we need a government that has some backbone to deal with all these issues before this country is completely ruined I suggests that you send a copy of all these letters to Gordon Brown and his cronnies,people who do not like our way of life should go elsewhere, but were else in the world would you get the monetary benefits you get in our country, Lets all celebrate St Georges day with pride and vote for change at the next election

[Keith (Dorset) Apr 22, 2008 6:47:52 PM]

The Scottish Government in Westminster has given Northern Ireland and Wales and Scotland their own Parliaments.
Therefore they won't ALLOW England to have its own Parliament because they will have to crawl off back to their own country.
Brown says "this country . . . our country . . " but which of the four UK countries is he referring to each time ?

[Jeff Blackmore - Peterborough Apr 22, 2008 6:46:32 PM]

I am extremely proud to be English and British when researching times gone by. England used to be a place with much guarded values and traditions which are being eroded more now than ever before. Political correctness is to blame; people are so frightened of offending others they now decide to say nothing at all. The right to offend and ridicule was a very British trait which I believe should be reinstated and protected. We all understand that Britain has changed and is now multicultural which helps to enrich our lives and country. But we are dividing new cultures who decide to settle here by over accommodating them. If I were to move to another country I would expect to take on there traditions, way of life, and language not expect their government to provide high cost translators for council officials or have their road signs translated into English, directing the way to the closets C of E school and church.
The suggestion that Islamic sharia law be introduced in Britain is ridiculous- has everyone gone mad?? This is England if you want to live here learn the language learn our ways and except our beliefs and we will accept yours. But don’t seek change our country as thousands of people have died over many centuries defending it.
We also need to sort out how England looks cheap modern buildings and building work in general is transforming England into one big council estate. We should campaign to stop pointlessly attacking and destroying other countries when ever the Americans click there fingers and concentrate on rebuilding this one to its former glory.

[liz uk Apr 22, 2008 6:19:06 PM]

well when the press do not celebrate St Georges day and decide to do a disunited Kingdom story that says it all really! Get a grip and unfurl the cross of St George! Or have you forgotten just how many St Georges flags there were at the Mall at the Queens Golden Jubilee, there were a lot more than the Union flag. I think half the problem is that England had a government that is full of scottish MPs making decisions for us. I have nothing against our Scottish , Welsh or Irish friends, its just if they want devolution it should be all the way and not part of the way.

[cath evans Apr 22, 2008 5:52:49 PM]

I'm 45 and I've seen the UK change beyond all recognition. I think in a few decades time the country will be split along religious lines, mainly christian and islamic. Multiculturalism is a joke, political correctness has made us all afraid to say...well, anything! Kids today seem to be in control, god forbid if you tell them off,including my own. There are too many DSS scroungers, and what really upsets me is that people who want to blow us up can still claim benefits!!! We have a spineless government who won't do anything we elected them to do, oh, I could go on. Honestly, if I could afford to do so I would emigrate tomorrow....

[malcolm brighton Apr 22, 2008 5:23:20 PM]

i was raised as a englishman my father was in the army and as far am i would never call my self a europern we should remove all u.s practise from this country
good save the queen

[Nigel in Eastbourne ENGLAND! Apr 22, 2008 4:16:18 PM]

I was born in England in '64 and since the '80s I have seen this wonderful country slide into the abyss and since 2000 plummet. We are supposed to be able to say what we like - we can't now. We used to be able to wear what we want - we can't now. We could go out when we were children without the fear of being shot, kidnapped or accused of being racially or sexually offensive - we can't now. England was a proud nation - it isn't now.
What has gone wrong? Ridiculous taxes, immigration laws that we are told do not need relaxing because immigration is good for us. Immigrants take our, jobs our homes, our rights, our hospitals, benefits and above all everything that England stands for and the pride of the true English people.
If I were given the opportunity I would not hesitate but to leave the country to it's own destruction. The enemy is right under our noses not in Afghanistan and Iraq!!!
Are you honestly proud in a lawless multi-national society, governed by the EU who are hell bent on this countries ruin and a government that promotes immigration, benefit dependency, high levels of crime?
I am ever more embarrassed to call myself English. I feel I have lost my Englishness.
Solution - Bring back Corporal and Capital Punishment. Immigrats must be self sufficient for 10 years and 1 clash with the law leads to deprotation. Vote a government that is Pro-England and not Anti-England. Come doen hard on criminals, English or foreign.

[Pat from East Sussex Apr 22, 2008 2:48:42 PM]

I'm English without a doubt, but I'm horrified to see what is happening to my country. We seem to have a Government who is doing it's level best to destroy everything that is remotely English. They are rewriting our history, destroying our long held traditions, sidelining Parliament (and in the process destroying our democracy). We are being made to bow to every farcical whim that comes out of the corrupt European Union. My Father and Grandfather who fought in both world wars would be asking why they put their lives on the line. Thank goodness that they are not here to see how the country ahs been ruined. The bottom line is that as far as I am concerned I was born English, I will die being English. I would like to say that I am proud of my country but my poor country has ruined by a group of idiots that couldn't organise and run a childrens tea party. I thank goodness though that we have a wonderful Queen and someone should remind those who seek to change things that this is a Christian country. The English are tolerant people but our patience is wearing very thin indeed.

[Andrea, Swansea Apr 22, 2008 2:26:26 PM]

Football holligans and Arrogance. I asked an English man one day wearing a british bulldog if he was proud to be english which he took offence at and said "of course I am what a stupid Question" o i said ohhh right so your proud and very patriotic and he replied again so i said ok then When is St Georges Day - Which he replied I dont know! I rest my case, hypocrite

[johnny from hackney Apr 22, 2008 2:23:28 PM]

I could write a thesis on this, but i'm not going to because it's not going to make a blind bit of difference anyway, and I'm not going to waist my energy. The main reason why people are mixing like never before is because successive short-sighted governments have permitted too much immigration and basically encouraged this. As a result the British identity, which is traditionally based on being white and Anglo-Saxon has been watered down so much that the population as a collective whole doesn't know who they are anymore! That's basically it...you can dice this basic truism however you like, but it's not going to change the fact of the matter!

[jay Glasgow Apr 22, 2008 2:10:17 PM]

Look i wish you all well but the sooner we in Scotland go our own way the better

[Andi, Fleet Apr 22, 2008 2:02:43 PM]

Beeing British is out, you are now English (or scottish or Irish or German or....) and then European!
Get to grips, England is part of the EU.

[British Chris Dubai Apr 22, 2008 1:47:49 PM]

I have felt more patriotic living abroad than being in the UK. Why? because there is less pressure on being PC. When visiting my family in the UK I felt the minority in a supermarket speaking english!. The Britishness has been lost because of people being told they are racist because they celebrate their Britishness. If we all said 'NO' to the PC brigades and stand as one nation but with our own individual nationalities which make up the UK and say to the moaning minorities if you don't like it leave..then we would be proud and not the limp wristed multi national, ethnically imbalanced politically corrected country with very little identity remaining that we are now, time for the politicians to wake up and see they are the cause of driving the UK to inobscurity. We will be remembered as that little island off the coast of France somewhere ..whats its name again???

[Leon Aberdeen Scotland Apr 22, 2008 11:38:18 AM]

Im all for English independance - im Scottish and proud and you English people should be proud also - its the PC councills that are to blame for the state England is in. Vote them out - but to be fair i have no idea who you should vote in - they all seem to be rubbish at there jobs - not just with you lot down south but with us also. Britain doesnt really exist any longer - only in name and Gordon browns mind - its about time everyone realised that - then we can all go our own merry way and be happy.

[Craig Manchester Apr 22, 2008 11:04:29 AM]

As a proud white English man i think it is disgraceful that one day the english will be the ethnic minority and as for the saint georges cross being racist these people should learn to live with it because its our national heritage which iam proud to celebrate

[simon, london Apr 22, 2008 11:03:45 AM]

Why does St. Georges day keep being refered to as British? It's not! It's English! Britain is the United Kingdom which is England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales! Why has england been shut in the cupboard and locked away? You look at a job application for example... you're allowed to be anything but English on this little island! And people wonder why no-one cares any more. Our Borders are open, the hands of our security are tied, and we are being ruled by a group of people who walk round on stilts so as to keep them selves above the pit of despare they have created for the rest of us. If i could afford to, i would leave this country to the rats that are now infesting it! They seem to love it here!

[Steve Day Co Durham Apr 22, 2008 9:15:42 AM]

Being english means watching local authorities and councils spend a fortune celebrating St Patricks and St Davids days, but going out of their way to make St Georges day events as expensive and hard to run possible. St Pats days get all sorts of official support but the councils put as many obsticles as possible in the way of St Georges celebrations.

[tony london Apr 22, 2008 8:52:17 AM]

to be english is allways to have other people from wherever in the world telling us or reminding us that we had a imperial past and should not be proud of our heritage!! (the sins of the father mentalaty) well i am proud to be english i dont care what people from any other part of the globe or what country they come from i say its not rasist to be proud of your country and want to celabrate its saints day but all the people who knock this counrty all want to come here for its work social housing and benifits health care schools all of which are under strain due to the influx of people from other nations oh yea and its tollarence of other cultures it a pity other cultures are not tollerent of us bieng proud of the greatist counrty on the planet. its a shame that our own govenment puts nothing into celabrating
st georges day

[Margaret Apr 22, 2008 7:59:44 AM]

When events we used to hold are being banned because of the PC brigade, upsetting ethnic minorities its time to stop - This country should not pander to the minorities - when living in this country you adapt to us - NOT the other way round which Brown seems to be eroding!
WHY IS IT THAT MINORITIES seem to get their own way all the time?

[STEVE FLETCHER. PERTH AUSTRALIA Apr 22, 2008 7:26:49 AM]

I HAVE NOW LIVED IN AUSTRALIA FOR 5 1/2 YEARS AND AGREE WITH LEE IN GEORGIA USA. IT IS EASIER TO SHOW PRIDE IN BEING ENGLISH ABROAD THAN IT IS IN ENGLAND. OTHER NATIONALITIES ARE PATRIOTIC AND AS SUCH, EXPECT AND ENCOURAGE PATIOTISM. IN ENGLAND, IF YOU WEAR YOUR COUNTRIES COLOURS, OTHER THAN AT A SPORTING OCCASION, YOU CAN BE LOOKED AT LIKE YOUR WEARING A SWASTIKA OR A KKK HOOD. I BELIEVE BEING ENGLISH MEANS BEING PROUD OF YOUR COUNTRIES HISTORY, WEARING YOUR COLOURS NO MATTER WHAT AND SUPPORTING BRITAINS ARMED FORCES IN EVERY CONFLICT. "GOD SAVE THE QUEEN"

[Laura Apr 22, 2008 12:36:17 AM]

I had a row with my daughter's school as they would not allow me to refer to her as English on her school details. I was allowed to tick the box that said she was British because that is the politically correct answer and inoffensive to anyone else. However there is no box to tick for being English In the end I left that part of the form blank. I think we may as well abolish St George's day, mainly because our children are growing up in a society that not only seems to actively discourage being english, but also that tries to make a person feel racist for expressing their english nationality.

[Lancashire Apr 21, 2008 9:59:35 PM]

We were so happy this evening to see an advert on TV by the British national party, ensuring that if they get in they will get Britain back for the British that remain.

[Steve fowler Apr 21, 2008 9:03:03 PM]

I ask all English,Scots and welsh people if you love Britain and your proud country's you we're born stand up and fight for them and stop giving into the PC brigade they are made up of people who have no pride in this island it's country's or it's people s fight back NOW! dont let win!!!!.

[Brian, Texas, USA. Apr 21, 2008 8:09:52 PM]

I emigrated to the USA from the UK in 2001. I am so glad I did. The UK is hardly united anymore and even when it does rally round its traditions, they are mocked by the media and so many politicians.

What is the point of trying to be "English" (I was born in London), when in some parts of my home town, it is so hard to find anyone else who speaks English, that I may as well be living in a different country anyway?

I am glad not to be in England anymore. It is just so sad a place to live now....

[Chris, Shropshire Apr 21, 2008 8:06:13 PM]

I am English and i am Proud to be so, even though the country is in such a state with a goverment that ignores the public, Immagration being stupidly bad (Listern to Enouh Powells, Rivers of Blood Speach as it's obviously true)

I fully support the Military but not why we are at war with Iraq, I am Proud of the RAF as they are amazing, and also proud of the Technology the country has come up with, But then disgusted we can't have decent public services, and the White english can't say anything if we are being Yelled at with Racist remarks.

I am a supported of Preserved railways as they historicly look after the Best English invention Ever the Train, and that is one of the most english things you can have.

God save the Queen and The Glorous country, and HAPPY Saint George's Day on Wenesday.

[sally Apr 21, 2008 7:48:58 PM]

I am English with English ancestors,When I was younger at school we were aloud to wear England tops,scarfs etc,now the English children are not aloud them at school as it may cause offence.......WHATS GOING ON......The goverment and non English people have ruined England,we cant say or do anything English anymore...Our young boys that fought for this country of ours should not have bothered.The whole of England is a bloody mess.It is no longer our beautiful England.....It will never be again.....Im so sorry that its turned into such a built up, to many people,disgusting mess.........But my English flag will be flying so there x

[Michael Seven NYC Apr 21, 2008 7:24:59 PM]

I know quite a few New Yorkers
who pretend an English accent
sort of like the actors in old
British movies .
During the WW we who alive then
were all Brits during the blitz.

[Christian, London Apr 21, 2008 6:18:16 PM]

I like the English breakfast...but double egg should come as standard.

[ken Apr 21, 2008 5:54:58 PM]

we have forty years of corrupt spineless politicians to thank for the immigration problems we have now.its been proved we have terrorist cells the lenght and breadth of it.forty years conservatism,labour,10 years of nu labour.the wise and able have got out.the wealthy have bolt holes in other countries.its the working class that will be left,just for voting labour,consrevative.

[J Harrison Apr 21, 2008 5:05:58 PM]

Frenchman comes from France
German comes from Germany
Italian comes from Italy
Pole comes from Poland
I come from England,what am I?

[Pimlicoguy Apr 21, 2008 4:45:54 PM]

The Union is currently disadvantaging all it's constituent parts and the English should be siding with the Scots and Welsh nationalists, who are demanding their independence. Were England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to become nations in their own right, collectively they would have more clout in the world and certainly within the EU. The Scots, Welsh and Northern Irelanders would also be able to enjoy the benefits of their individual nationalities without always having to refer to themselves as British (which foreigners frequently confuse with English).

Within the UK, the English are deliberately being held back by the guilt feelings of the liberal elite. In the same way that Great Britain must forever be punished for its imperial past (in which our major crime was for a short time to civilise parts of the world that are now reverting to tribalism and genocide) and its involvement in the slave trade (in which we were merely the middle men, transporting human cargo from countries whose traders were happy to make fortunes selling their own people to countries which needed cheap labour to develop), so the English as the dominant nation within the British Isles must be hobbled, so that the smaller nations can catch up and feel better about themselves. This is exactly the same madness that says that the middle classes must be made to suffer, in order to improve the lot of the poor. The concept of benefitting everybody equally doesn’t compute with people who can’t see beyond their own misplaced self-loathing.

In this new world the ideal would be an English nation outside the EU promoting its own interests. Unfortunately we are going to need a revolution before we get there.

[DARREN IN DUBLIN Apr 21, 2008 4:28:03 PM]

Here in the republic of ireland I sometimes get negative comments on being English. I think for me Englishness personifies an individualisam. So with this -one looks upon an individual who makes such comments as not really worth talking too anyway. The history of England suggests travel and adventure. So objectively our culture reflects that activity in regards its multi-culture. I will not be wearing a fresh red rose on George's day - but do on international rugby days. Happy St George's day all!. Darren Dublin

[Simon Birmingham Apr 21, 2008 3:50:25 PM]

I am White,English and proud of it!

I have a brother fighting for his country in Iraq. You can support the Troops not the war.

It is a disgrace just how badly we treat our armed forces.

It is also shameful that the English cannot be English without fear of being tarnished as a racist.

This country has many things to be proud of yet there are things that need to be changed (attitudes, ASBOS, lack of Authority for police, taxes, lack of respect, the list goes on and on). The political correct brigade need to get off their soap box and remember that we can be proud of England without being negative. They need to remember that you can never please everyone...but you can please the majority!

It is just too bad if someone doesnt want to celebrate St Georges Day and celebrate being English...our history, culture, achievements, literature and much more. Lets get on with it and those who dont like it do have a choice. They can leave at anytime! that's not racist - that's fact!

[Tee; Malta Apr 21, 2008 3:34:15 PM]

Although I was born in Malta and am proud to be Maltese, I have always been proud of my British heritage, thanks to my grandparents. However there was never any of this nonsense, my grandfather was Scottish & my grandmother was English, they never called themselves British though they loved each others countries. I am really glad that neither of them are around to see the state of the UK now. England wake up, look at your neighbors, who still have British values & are fighting to keep them, while you're letting your country go to the dogs. As for the rest of Britain, you might be Scottish, Welsh or Irish 1st but England needs you help & encouragement, so maybe one day you can all be proud of living in the British Isles.

[Lee in Georgia, USofA Apr 21, 2008 3:05:25 PM]

I find it rather sad that as an Englishman living abroad that I am able to display my pride more so in the USA then if I lived at home. England has changed so much the 15 years I have been away and not in a good way at all. English identity is being lost and the government has played a huge part in this. Equating nationalism with racism is as narrow-minded as you can get. America is multi-ethnic yet patriotism is a defining characteristic of being an American. Why can't England be the same way?

[Sue B Sheffield ENGLAND Apr 21, 2008 2:32:33 PM]

Britishness, now thats a rarity nowadays.
I was born and bred in Great Britain, Derbyshire to be exact and loved being British all through my childhood.
Now as an adult, with a full insight into what we now have as our Country, I feel dismayed and overcome with sorrow. Great Britain and all it meant is just about gone.
Immigrants, crime, governmental deceipt and failure, camera's watching our every move, education letting our kids down on a massive scale, economy f***** up in good style and Gordon Brown telling us "everything is fine and dandy".
You cannot be British anymore, it has been knocked out of us. We have no identity only memories of our once great country.

Scotland have the right idea and power to their elbow.
We should be doing the same.

Britain is now a dumping ground.