Dick Bate's Protege
Minister for Equality
If I see a St George cross flying proudly my chest puffs out with pride. As I flew over the English Channel and saw English soil for the first time in over a year last month I was buzzing with excitement, even at the end of a 24 hour flight. Seeing pictures of the old soldiers laying wreaths in memory of their fallen comrades brings a tear to my eye.
I acknowledge fully the history of our great nation and the sacrifices that have been made for it. I just don't feel any pride manifest itself in our anthem or by the crown or monarchy in any way. Believe me you can be a proud Englishman and anti-monarchist.
I find it interesting that so many people in this country reject and knock the Royal Family and yet the sheer volume of tourism created on their back shows our system to be the envy of the world. Blair,Brown and the loony brigade have spent over a decade attempting to sell our culture/history/traditions down the river, but it ain't happening. Great National Anthem, Great Britain.