I was delighted to be part of Crawley’s growing St George’s Day parade last Sunday which represents many sections of the community and people from all backgrounds. The parade’s fun events and the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts gathering in Queen’s Square later in the afternoon were a joy to behold.
It is my belief that St George’s Day should be designated an official public holiday across England. Indeed, I have been pleased in the House of Commons to lend my support to a Private Member’s Bill which would establish such.
England’s influence throughout history and across the world has been largely very positive. Our mother tongue is now the global language, spoken by one in every seven people on the planet.
English values of fairness, freedom and fraternity and English models including pioneering free trade, top universities, a civil service, a free press, the judicial system and parliamentary democracy are all ones that are seen as the standard for the world.
Being proud of England and its achievements is not to be arrogant. I believe England and Englishness have been profoundly positive whether it be standing up for individual rights or gifting to the world the finest team sports of football, cricket, rugby, tennis – and yes, even whiff waff! Indeed, in true English style Sir Francis Drake famously finished his game of bowls before attending to the threat of the Spanish Armada in 1588.
St George’s Day is also, of course, both the anniversary of Shakespeare’s birth and death - his capturing of English verse and values is something that we can all be culturally proud of.
English culture and innovation has stretched through the centuries, whether through the great engineer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, or the world famous band, The Beatles, or even Monty Python satirical sketches of the English stiff upper lip! The impact of our nation is significant.
And so even though we reside in a county – Sussex - that is older than England itself, we marked St George’s Day with traditional quiet dignity. I take this opportunity to send my best wishes to all Crawley residents whether English by birth or adoption.