A palpable sense of diminished patriotism surrounds Canvey Island, a coastal settlement in Essex – traditionally considered a stronghold of English identity – as evidenced by the 2021 Census.
The island retains its reputation as England’s most English town, with nearly three-in-ten residents identifying solely as English, and an additional 16.9 percent claiming to be both English and British. However, closer examination reveals a deeper current of unease regarding this self-proclaimed ‘Englishness’.
Many locals express concern over what they perceive as a decline in national pride. “Englishness is really important,” stated pensioner Terry White, “I’d do something for St George’s Day but people are too scared.” White, recalling his roots in Poplar, believes that pressures to “erase” English history discourage outward displays of patriotism and cites other countries like the United States and Australia as examples where national identity is more readily celebrated.
Echoing this sentiment, John Sutton, a resident and RAF Association member, lamented Britain’s apparent reluctance to honor its military heroes compared to the admiration shown in America. “Compared to the Americans, we don’t show any support for our Armed Forces,” he remarked, adding that the lack of recognition is “a shame” and likely to worsen. He also noted a disparity with other Celtic nations, specifically Scotland, where St Andrew’s Day is marked with a significant bank holiday and elaborate festivities. The Irish diaspora similarly celebrates St Patrick’s Day with widespread celebrations across continents.
The situation highlights a broader feeling of neglect surrounding St George’s Day in Britain, with many residents expressing bewilderment at the lack of similar enthusiasm compared to other patron saint days. “We do a lot in this country for St Patrick’s Day and I was thinking the other week why we don’t do the same for St George’s Day,” confessed John Simmonds, prompting speculation that Brexit-related failures contribute to the perceived apathy.
The issue extends beyond individual sentiment; there’s a growing perception that Britain prioritizes celebrating foreign cultures over its own. “This country doesn’t do anything to celebrate being English,” claimed Steve Love, pointing out a prevalence of Turkish restaurants as an example. Similarly, Lorraine Adams stated, “It’s not the English way to celebrate our own country and traditions, only others.”
These concerns were amplified by instances where public figures, such as King Charles, referenced multiple faiths during Easter celebrations, while Sir Keir Starmer faced criticism for neglecting traditional Ash Wednesday observances in favor of Eid Mubarak greetings. The cancellation of an Easter service at Norwood Primary School, citing inclusivity, further fueled the debate about prioritizing cultural diversity over national heritage.
Despite this prevailing mood, some Canvey residents remain committed to celebrating St George’s Day. The local Conservative Club is organizing a street party with music and themed attire, while the Royal British Legion offers discounts on drinks and spirits. Events like craft fairs and coffee mornings are also planned. Calls for a St George’s Day bank holiday have been voiced by several politicians including Andrew Rosindell and Reform UK candidate Keiron McGill, who noted the lack of official council-supported events.
Castle Point Borough Council confirmed that it has not scheduled any official celebrations, although raising the St George’s flag remains an occasional practice. The island’s decline in national pride aligns with a broader trend across England – from 60.4 percent identifying as primarily English in 2011 to just 15.3 percent in recent Census data – coupled with a significant rise in those identifying as both English and British. While Wales experienced a modest decrease in Welsh identity, the shift in England is pronounced.
Professor John Denham cautioned against direct comparisons between datasets due to changes in the questions asked by the Office for National Statistics, suggesting that polls reveal a gradual shift from prioritizing “English” over “British,” rather than a complete loss of national identity. The focus on Canvey Island provides a microcosm of this complex issue, revealing not just a decline in outward displays of patriotism but also underlying anxieties about cultural recognition and national heritage.
