A local from a town in Essex has said people there would celebrate St George's Day but are "too scared". Terry White, a pensioner who lives in Canvey Island, said: "Englishness is really important. I’d do something for St George’s Day but people are too scared."

Mr White told GB News he believes other countries are proud of their national identity, but fears "cancel culture" in the UK deters people from showing support in public. He said something should be done for St George’s Day, VE Day and Churchill Day, telling the news channel that other countries, especially the US and Australia, are proud and English people "should be too".

Fellow Canvey Islander John Sutton said he felt "very proud" to be English and would spend St George’s Day with his daughter in Grays. He added: "But it’s such a shame we don’t do more. I just think people are embarrassed."

Local, Vanessa Jayne, said St George’s Day doesn’t seem to be celebrated much, but the country should make something of it, as others do for St Patrick’s Day.

The comments came on St George's Day (April 23), after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hosted a reception at No.10 to mark the day of England's patron saint.

At the do, Sir Keir shared his worries about the far-right claiming ownership of St George's Cross and praised England for its diversity.

He pointed to the difference between his "working class" background and his predecessor Rishi Sunak, "an English Hindu" who had also been able to become prime minister.

Sir Keir said: "That for me is something I think we should always be proud of and never take for granted."