St George’s Day and English Affairs 2025-05-08

I am grateful to my colleagues who co-sponsored this debate, and I wish all those right across our island home a belated but very happy St George’s day. The cross-party support for this debate speaks to the power of St George and our collective pride in our Englishness... England is home to people from all over the world, and we are much better for it.

I congratulate my hon. Friend on securing this debate and thank him for doing so. It is important. I am one of those people— I suspect many of us are—who are proud to be English and proud to be British; I recognise them as different things that we should celebrate uniquely.

It is a great honour to follow the hon. Member for Newcastle-under-Lyme (Adam Jogee), who is fast establishing a reputation as an effective parliamentarian and a thoroughly nice chap. His speech was appropriate and excellent in every single way, and I agreed with everything he said.

Discussed the historical and cultural significance of saints, especially St George. Emphasised religion's role in uniting people and lamented the decline in community spirit since wartime times.

Congratulated Adam Jogee on initiating the debate, honouring veterans and current service personnel. Advocated for a revival of St George's Day festivities to foster patriotism without narrow nationalism.

Patriotism should be seen as a unifying force for good, not exclusionary. The debate commemorates St George’s day and the importance of English heritage while also honouring those who fought in World War II. It calls for greater recognition of England within devolved political arrangements.

Expressed skepticism towards further debates on this topic, suggesting a lack of appetite to reverse devolution.

Rosindell argued against the term 'break up' when discussing devolution, stating it was meant to hold the country together while allowing people closer representation. He criticised the creation of mayoralties and regional assemblies that are not in tune with local communities, highlighting a specific example from Havering and Essex where local identities were ignored. Rosindell suggested aligning historic and ceremonial counties to solve this issue.

McVey congratulated the MP on bringing the debate, praising the celebration of English history, heritage, and national character. She reflected on marking St George’s day as a Minister in Downing Street, highlighting the importance of instilling cultural richness in the next generation. McVey emphasised England's contributions to world events, culture, and innovation, urging pride in being English and British.

Glover thanked the MP for proposing the debate, appreciating the importance of positive representation through the flag of St George. He paid tribute to those who fought during World War II, acknowledging their bravery in protecting European democracy. Glover also discussed historical aspects of St George’s day and its significance beyond Christianity.

Discussed the international recognition of St George's day and suggested making it a national holiday. Mentioned local contributions, such as Dragon Hill in his constituency.

Secured the debate to celebrate St George's Day and highlighted its cultural significance for England. Emphasised the importance of English heritage and values.

Praised the historical contributions of England, emphasising courage, service, and honour. Called for protecting and promoting cultural fabric through proper support and funding.

Acknowledged the importance of celebrating St George's Day and emphasised shared values of courage, strength, perseverance, fairness, and decency as key English traits. Highlighted the significance of commemorating VE Day.

Grateful to colleagues for their contributions in the debate. Highlighted England's achievements and community spirit. Noted the importance of continuing efforts despite challenges. Emphasised the need for more parties to be involved in representing communities across England.