Eamonn Holmes has demanded a national holiday to mark St. George’s Day.
The national day of England commemorates the death of its patron saint, St. George.
Eamonn Holmes thinks St George’s Day should be a national holiday
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“Today is April 23, that makes it St. George’s Day”, he said.
“If you’re in England, if you live in England, this should be your day. This should be your national holiday. But it isn’t.
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The GB News panel debated the matter
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“The question I have as an Irishman who proudly celebrates St. Patrick’s Day is why not? What are you doing wrong?
“I am very happy to celebrate the English national day today.”
Eamonn’s co-host Nana Akua added: “I would love to celebrate it. I am disappointed St. George isn’t actually English but I am willing to overlook that.
“He was famous for slaying a dragon and defending persecuted Christians and being a symbol of courage and faith.”
Samuel Sweek said being proud of where you are from is nonsensical
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Political commentator Samuel Sweek argued St. George’s Day has no business being a national holiday as a lively debate kicked off on GB News.
“I was born in England – that’s not an achievement”, he said. “If I was born in any other country in the world, I would hold the same view.
“If we had a country where I could aspire to be proud, a country that stands up for the marginalised, maybe I would be proud.”
Nana asked for an example of a country that fills the criteria, to which Sweek replied: “I don’t believe in the concept of national pride.”
Broadcaster Charlie Downes said Sweek’s attitude is “pervasive” and is typical of the average liberal mind.
“Nationhood gives each place their distinct flavour and makes people different. The liberal mind fears difference”, he said.
“This is because its fundamental principle is equality. When you have distinct nations with distinct peoples with distinct languages, they view it as a source of division.
“I don’t view it as a source of division – I see it as a source of beauty.”
