23 Apr 2009
Flying the flag for St George's Day
We have much to be proud of in this great country; England has given so much to the world politically, socially and artistically. St George's Day is a time to celebrate the very best of everything English and the St George's Cross will proudly fly outside the Civic Centre today.
I am often struck by the fact that the Scots, Welsh and Irish can easily talk about and celebrate their identity. In contrast, those of us who are English have real difficulty in saying anything coherent about our national identity. We are proud of being English but don’t know what to say about it!
Greater people than me have tried to describe what it means to be English. One of my favourites is George Orwell who was a sharp observer of English society and culture.
He saw the English as a mild-mannered people, characterised by an aversion to extremism and a general faith in 'common sense'. For him the key words to describe the English were decency and gentleness.
We all know that there are many challenges facing this country but it's good to remember today that England is a mostly tolerant, balanced and pleasant country to live in.
Happy St. George's Day!
Cllr Peter Thompson
Leader
London Borough of Hounslow
