Reform MP Lee Anderson has raised eyebrows with a new St. George’s Day video that issued a ‘Trigger Warning’ to certain groups. His remarks about ‘Guardian readers, avocado eaters, and Palestinian flag wavers’ have caused amusement on social media. The video, which features Anderson wearing cufflinks with the St. George’s Cross, also references his past controversial comments about food banks, transgender actors, and ‘culture wars’.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has restored the tradition of celebrating St George’s Day in Downing Street, hosting the first gathering to mark England’s national day in over a decade. The event featured the raising of the English flag over No. 10 and a pledge by Sunak to provide additional support to Ukraine in its fight against Russia. Downing Street officials emphasized that Sunak embodies the spirit of St George through his unwavering commitment to aiding Ukraine. The Prime Minister also expressed well wishes to all on St George’s Day, emphasizing that it is a day to honor England’s patron saint and celebrate English identity.
St George’s Day, celebrated on April 23, is the feast day of England’s patron saint. Honored for his courage and devotion to Christianity, St George’s story and symbolism continue to resonate in England and worldwide. While no longer a national holiday, the day is still commemorated with parades, public activities, and displays of the English flag, St George’s Cross. Other countries that recognize St George as their patron saint, such as Portugal and Bulgaria, also have their own traditions to honor the day.
Millions of people celebrate St George’s Day on April 23, marking the anniversary of England’s patron saint. To commemorate the occasion, a 60ft-long St George’s flag has been unveiled in Nottingham city center. The display has sparked debate, with some praising it as a celebration of English heritage and others questioning its necessity. Express.co.uk is asking readers to vote in a poll about the reasons they feel proud to be English. Research shows that fish and chips, the NHS, and Buckingham Palace are among the sources of pride for Britons.
Across Europe, nations commemorate the martyrdom of their patron saint, St. George, who has been depicted in countless works of art and celebrated for his multicultural identity. Despite popular associations with England, St. George was a Roman soldier, likely Greek-speaking and hailing from the Middle East. His legend evolved over time, from a martyr to a military saint and finally to the dragon-slaying hero of English folklore. Today, St. George’s Day is a celebration of patriotism in England, while retaining its religious significance in many other countries.
The petition for a St. George’s Day holiday argues that it would boost national pride, but the author questions whether a focus on the past and a shared cultural identity is the right approach. They argue that economic struggles, social divisions, and the UK’s role in international conflicts have eroded national pride.
