Tory MP Andrew Rosindell has called for St George’s Day to be made a bank holiday in England, urging greater celebration of the nation’s patron saint day.
The MP has suggested that the April 23rd celebration should receive the same recognition as other national days across the UK.
Speaking ahead of next week’s St George’s Day, Rosindell expressed frustration that English cultural celebrations are not given the same prominence as those of other cultures and religions.
He has previously introduced a ten minute rule bill to make the day a public holiday.
Andrew Rosindell wants English people to get a day off for St George’s Day
GB NEWS / PA
Rosindell voiced his concerns during an appearance on GB News, stating: “There’s this attitude now that every other culture, every other religion can be celebrated, but we’ve got to be a bit embarrassed about our own.”
“Now, we have to reverse this. There has to be a fight back,” he added.
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Should the English be able to fly St George’s flag without fear?GettyThe MP emphasised the importance of recognising England’s national identity.
“We are English, it’s England. St George’s Day is the day of our patron saint,” Rosindell said.
“It’s effectively our national day for England. It should be a bank holiday.”
In his GB News appearance, Rosindell suggested a specific alternative to creating an additional bank holiday.
Rosindell joined Christopher Hope on GB News
GB NEWS
“I suggested Mayday could be dumped and we have St George’s Day instead,” he revealed.
This proposal apparently faced opposition from some quarters.
“That didn’t go down well on some of the Labour benches,” Rosindell admitted.
The MP believes St George’s Day deserves equal recognition with other UK national celebrations.
“I think we should celebrate it along with St Patrick’s Day, St David’s Day,” he said.
While Rosindell pushes for greater recognition, some cities are already marking the occasion.
Nottingham has unveiled what is believed to be England’s largest St George’s flag on its Council House building.
The massive flag, measuring 60ft by 26ft, was unfurled on Thursday, April 17, ahead of next week’s celebrations.
Sponsored by signage company John E Wright and Co LTD, the flag covers most of the building’s frontage.
A Nottingham City Council spokesperson confirmed there are currently no official events planned for St George’s Day itself.
The flag has previously been displayed annually for St George’s Day,
