There are calls to make St George’s Day a national holiday after one man’s petition garnered the support of tens of thousands. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland get holidays for their saints days, but England currently goes without.
Now a former London banker has set up an online petition calling for the Government to formally recognise St George’s Day by giving everyone the day off.
John Kelly, 70, set up a petition on March 9 that has already garnered more than 70,000 signatures.
Making his pitch to potential signatories, Mr Kelly wrote: “St. George’s Day, celebrated on April 23rd, is an important day for English heritage and culture, yet it is not recognized as a national holiday in England.
“This lack of recognition stands in contrast to the other home nations within the UK – Scotland celebrates St. Andrew’s Day, Wales honors [sic] St. David’s Day and Northern Ireland observes St. Patrick’s Day as public holidays.”
St Patrick’s Day takes place on March 17 and is celebrated in Northern Ireland as well as in the Republic. It is a bank holiday in both countries.
St David’s Day is celebrated on March 1st but it is not technically a national holiday, despite 87 percent of the country backing to make it one in 2007. However, it is celebrated by Welsh people all the same.
In Scotland, St Andrew’s Day has been a national holiday since 2006, when the Scottish Parliament passed a law ruling it to be so. However, employers in Scotland aren’t compelled by law to give their staff the day off.
Discussing the history of St George and his relationship England, Mr Kelly added: “St. George has been the patron saint of England since the 14th century and his emblem, a red cross on a white background, is incorporated into the Union Jack flag representing unity among nations in the UK.
“Recognizing this day as a national holiday would provide an opportunity for people across England to celebrate their shared history and cultural identity while also acknowledging their unique contribution to the United Kingdom.
“We believe that it is time for England to join its fellow home nations in celebrating its patron saint with a dedicated public holiday on St. George’s day.”
So do you back Mr Kelly’s call for a national holiday on April 23rd? Vote in our poll below or click here to have your say.
