Bank Holidays

In Parliament recently we have seen several Private Member’s Bills looking at which Bank holidays we should have and whether we should have so many during the Spring. Whilst there are good arguments for moving a public holiday from the spring to the autumn, the biggest problem I believe we have is the lack of a National Day.

I would very much like to see a public holiday when we can celebrate our country and our national identity. Many other countries around the world are unabashed in their national pride and dedicate a day when they can patriotically celebrate their heritage. I believe we should do the same.

St. George’s Day or the Queen’s birthday could be used as a day when either Englishness or Britishness could be celebrated. The Royal Wedding this year helped to increase national pride and showed how positive a National Day could be for the country. It would also help to develop a sense of unity and togetherness that otherwise can often be missing.

I frequently look at the sense of pride that the Americans have on 4^th July or the French on Bastille Day and think that this is something we should emulate. Each St. Patrick’s Day we see celebrations that far outweigh any celebrations for St. George’s Day and I can’t help feeling that we are missing out.

Please let me know if you believe that this is something Parliament should legislate on and if so which day would you like to see used as a National Day?