Punters at the last remaining pub on the Old Kent Road told the Daily Express that there is nothing offensive or racist about flying the England flag. Patricia O'Rourke, landlady at The Lord Nelson pub, said St George's Day should be celebrated and made a holiday. According to the Daily Express, she described the flag as representing England and not racist.
She also said the Mayor of London does not do enough to mark the day. Steve Wynn, 79, said St George's Day means a lot to him and it is not celebrated as it should be. Tom Masterton, 84, said the St George's Cross flag represents a country which has fought many wars, protected many people and helped other countries.
Of course St George's Day should be celebrated. We should make it a holiday.
Chris Dowse lives on Kirby estate in southeast London, where England flags fly and football murals decorate walls all year round. According to the Daily Express, he described St George's Day as having been belittled over time and people frowned upon for expressing pride in their country. He said some people fear the flag is becoming a symbol of the far right, but the cross of St George has been embraced by neighbours from different heritages on his estate.
He added that a bank holiday for St George's Day is not necessary because people need to earn money. Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan tweeted a message on Tuesday which mistakenly said it was St George's Day and he had been celebrating with faith leaders. A spokesperson for Sir Sadiq said the mistake was a typo.
The flag to me represents England. It's not racist. How can an English flag be racist? It's the flag of England. Would you call the Irish flag racist in Ireland? No. I'm Irish, I respect it. When I put flags up for St Patrick Day my customers respect it. End of story.
A St George's Day parade in London, run by the Scouts in Romford on the Essex border, could be cancelled. The parade has gone ahead for years without issue.
No.
It's our national day. We don't celebrate it like we should do. I've always loved my King and country.
We should be allowed to fly the flag. I know some councils don't let you. For some reason they think it offends certain people. It should be celebrated more.