Maurice Ostro, founder patron of the Faiths Forum for London, described record-breaking incidents of antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred in the UK. Research by British Future think tank found 39% of people in England would not display an England flag for fear of appearing to support the far right, and 81% of those surveyed agreed they disliked it when the English flag is linked to racism or used to intimidate minorities. Actor Ross Kemp stated the St George flag has been 'hijacked by high-profile bigots'.
In response, nearly a dozen interfaith events took place across the country over the week, including an interfaith walk in Regent's Park that brought together around 50 people to celebrate St George's Day. According to The Guardian - Main UK, the walk started at St John's Wood Church, stopped at The Liberal Jewish Synagogue, and ended at London Central Mosque. Singer and activist Billy Bragg is supporting a campaign promoting unity on St George's Day, saying in a press release: 'St George's Day should be a day for celebrating the positive things we have in common – a day for recognising the sense of community that comes from the identity and values that we share in this place called England. Through listening to each other, we can find that common ground from which to resist hateful division.' Former Conservative MP Sir Sajid Javid is also supporting the campaign, stating in a press release: 'St George's Day is a great day to celebrate what we all have in common. When people talk about what they value, what they trust, and what they share, it becomes easier to build understanding. I'm glad my suggestions of the local bobby and war memorials made the final cut.'
St George's Day should be a day for celebrating the positive things we have in common – a day for recognising the sense of community that comes from the identity and values that we share in this place called England. Through listening to each other, we can find that common ground from which to resist hateful division.
A 'virtual pocket museum' of 50 objects symbolising Englishness has been created from 3,000 public suggestions, according to major media reports. Giant outdoor screen projections at Toynbee Hall in Aldgate will tell 'The story of England 2026 in 50 objects'. Sunder Katwala, director of British Future, said in a press release: 'We've seen this year how national symbols can polarise opinion: some see flags on lampposts as expressing national pride while others intend or perceive a more prejudiced message.'
The Government has ruled out making St George's Day a Bank Holiday. Households can face fines of up to £2,500 for incorrectly raised flags. An online campaign 'Operation Raise The Colours' last summer became contentious, leading some local authorities to remove flags from public infrastructure, according to multiple reports. Some politicians decried the removals, while others contended the increased flag flying was due to xenophobia or racism, according to a named source.
St George's Day is a great day to celebrate what we all have in common. When people talk about what they value, what they trust, and what they share, it becomes easier to build understanding. I'm glad my suggestions of the local bobby and war memorials made the final cut.
We've seen this year how national symbols can polarise opinion: some see flags on lampposts as expressing national pride while others intend or perceive a more prejudiced message.
This is far from a new phenomenon – the National Front attempted the same before – yet it remains a serious concern.
What's important is that you care about your fellow citizens, feel a sense of belonging here and embrace the values that bind us together. Fairness. Decency. Looking someone in the eye and treating them with respect. Queueing. Getting on with things, even when times are hard. Discussing the weather. Complaining about the football. That's the England I recognise. And it's why I admire the people who are working tirelessly to unite communities this Saint George's Day. I admire the church and mosque coming together in Birmingham to march side by side, to celebrate their solidarity and dedication to a shared England.
I'm particularly fond of the massive event organised for Gravesend spearheaded by schoolchildren. The faith leaders' gathering in London aimed at uniting their diverse communities on our patron Saint's day. There's an enormous amount taking place, and it is these individuals who represent the genuine patriots of England. Because what they're achieving is constructing our nation, fortifying it, and imbuing the flag with significance rather than merely brandishing it.