← Back to House of Commons Debates
St George’s Day and English Affairs 2025-05-08
08 May 2025
Lead MP
Adam Jogee
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
No tags
Other Contributors: 15
At a Glance
Adam Jogee raised concerns about st george’s day and english affairs 2025-05-08 in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
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.
Adam Jogee
Lab
Newcastle-under-Lyme
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.
Toby Perkins
Lab
Chesterfield
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.
Edward Leigh
Con
Gainsborough
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.
Bob Stewart
Con
Mid Ulster
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.
Dan Aldridge
Lab
Weston-super-Mare
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.
Andrew Rosindell
Con
Romford
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.
Edward Leigh
Con
Expressed skepticism towards further debates on this topic, suggesting a lack of appetite to reverse devolution.
Andrew Rosindell
Con
Romford
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.
Esther McVey
Con
Tatton
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.
Olly Glover
LD
Didcot and Wantage
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.
Olly Glover
Con
Didcot and Wantage
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.
Adam Jogee
Con
Newcastle-under-Lyme
Secured the debate to celebrate St George's Day and highlighted its cultural significance for England. Emphasised the importance of English heritage and values.
Louie French
Con
Old Bexley and Sidcup
Praised the historical contributions of England, emphasising courage, service, and honour. Called for protecting and promoting cultural fabric through proper support and funding.
Rushanara Ali
Lab
Hornsey and Wood Green
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.
Adam Jogee
Lab
Welling
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.
Shadow Response
None
Shadow Response
Called for protecting and promoting English cultural heritage through support for grassroots arts, heritage sites, literature in schools, and local community voices.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.