On Tuesday, Andrew Rosindell M.P. featured in the Express to discuss how our identity is under attack and why we shouldn't be afraid to celebrate our national identities.
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A Conservative MP has warned that English and British national identity is “under attack”, as he launches a new campaign to have a minister with direct responsibility for protecting national symbols and flags.
The demand comes after recent rows about the rebranding of the St George’s Cross on England’s Euros kit, and the Union Jack on the Team GB Olympic kits.
Andrew Rosindell, the patriotism-loving MP for Romford, this week became the second Tory MP to call for a dedicated minister to fight back against left-wing attacks on treasured national symbols.
Speaking to The Express ahead of this year’s St George’s Day, Mr Rosindell said that the cost-free proposal would bring all decisions about national symbols under one Cabinet Office role, rather than being spread out between the Foreign Office, Ministry of Defence, Department for Culture and Department of Local Government.
Suggesting it be called ‘Minister of National Protocol’, the crucial appointee would ensure consistency across the whole of Government with regards to flags and national symbols, taking advice from the College of Arms and Flag Institute.
Mr Rosindell, however, emphasises that His Majesty the King would still have the ultimate say over our flag and symbols.
He argues that the role has been made essential due to the growing threat towards British national identity by the left, and failures to ensure integration in multicultural communities.
The Brexiteer MP warned: “For far too long, there has been a concerted effort by some, to undermine the values, traditions, and heritage that define our great nation.
“Some appear to want the erasure of our history, dilute and ultimately destroy what makes us unique.
“Our national identity is built on a foundation of shared history, culture, and values. It is what binds us together as a people and gives us a sense of belonging and pride.
“Yet, there are those who would rather see us divided, who preach multiculturalism and diversity at the expense of our own identity. We cannot allow this to continue unchecked.
Mr Rosindell said that one report last week claiming just 8.2 percent of people in Leicester now class themselves as English is “alarming but not entirely surprising”, warning it shows the consistent failure of attempts at integration.
Speaking ahead of a major St. George’s Day celebration in Parliament this week, in which Sir Lindsay Hoyle and Penny Mordaunt will come together to propose a toast to “England and St. George”, Mr Rosindell said the national day should finally become a bank holiday, as he first proposed in 2006.
He argued that Scotland, Wales and Ireland are all far better at revering their respective patron saints, in stark contrast to England.
As well as a day off every April 23rd, Mr Rosindell suggests the celebration of England’s national day should last over a week, with English-themed events in schools, voluntary organisations, churches, faith groups, businesses and Government bodies.
He jealously observed: “St. Patrick’s Day celebrations go on for way longer than one day, so making this into a week of festivals, ceremonies and special events for St. George’s Day, in addition to a making the day itself a Bank Holiday, would give England a really good opportunity to celebrate and promote England’s magnificent heritage”.
This week MPs will gather in the Speaker’s House for a celebration of everything English, from English food and drink to English song and revelry.
Mr Rosindell, who is organising the event as Chairman of the Royal Society of St. George's parliamentary branch, says it will be an opportunity for Parliament to celebrate one of the UK’s constituent countries, with Mr Speaker to welcome guests and speak on the importance of celebrating the major day.
Ms Mordaunt will also speak, while actress Su Pollard will propose a toast to The King and singer Patti Boylaye OBE will sing the National Anthem.
