Paul Rowen repeats call for Saint George's Day holiday

Saint George Flag

Paul Rowen MP has backed moves in Parliament to turn Saint George's Day into a national holiday in England.  Mr Rowen, who was born in Rochdale said: "While Ireland, Scotland and Wales have celebrated their patron saints' days for years, England has not used Saint George's Day as an occasion to celebrate the achievements of what is a great country.  I have made the call before and have signed an Early Day Motion (EDM) to confirm my support.  Saint George's Day should become a Bank Holiday, the sooner the better.

"Some say that the fact that Saint George was born in a foreign country means that he does not represent England but for me, England is about the wonderful diversity of the people who live here especially in Rochdale, many of whom were born thousands of miles away. Only by celebrating our diversity and collective achievements can we reclaim nationalism from those on the far-right who seek to subvert it.  I have celebrated recently with the Welsh, Irish, Bangladeshis, Nepalis, Kashmiris and the many other cultures in our Borough.  I think it's a shame we don't do more - I will be at the raising of the Saint George's Flag on Monday with my red rose on - although I will be taking it off when I am canvassing in Balderstone in the evening."

"Saint George's Day is a brilliant opportunity for our country to show the pride we should have in our culture, society and history. Many local businesses in Rochdale fly the English flag with pride around Saint George's Day and I think that all public buildings in England should follow suit."

Chairman of the Rochdale Fusiliers Association and Vice-Chairman of the Rochdale British Legion Councillor Tom Bailey said: "I back Paul's campaign, people in Rochdale are proud of our flag, what better excuse for a Bank Holiday than to celebrate our special day.  We always have a good knees up and I don't see why we can't scrap one of the pointless Bank Holidays and properly celebrate Saint George's Day."