For many years, the day of England’s patron saint, St George, has not received the same attention as those of the saints associated with other parts of the British Isles such as St David. But 23rd April is an opportunity to celebrate England and the contribution our country has made in so many ways.
From this small island off the north west coast of Europe, we have often shaped events in the way few countries of similar size have been able to do.
The democratic values and parliamentary system of government which were nurtured in England before almost any other country have provided an example to inspire reform movements in many places around the world over the centuries.
The English language has been perhaps our most influential export, spoken now by billions of people around the planet. The work of English writers such as Shakespeare is taught in millions of class rooms, our music, films and computer games have fans in hundreds of different countries and our Premier League Football teams are cheered on by people living many thousands of miles from our shores. Our world leading universities can boast more Noble Prize winning scientists than many nations with significant populations.
What we know about the life of St George is limited, but he is unlikely ever to have set foot on English soil. It is generally believed that he was born in the third century in Cappadoccia in what is now eastern Turkey, later moving to Palestine and becoming a Roman soldier. He resigned his military post in protest against the Emperor Diocletian’s persecution of Christians. This led to his imprisonment, torture and execution, but he never renounced his Christian faith.
In the seventh century abbot, St Adomnán of Iona in Scotland, provides an early recorded reference to Saint George. The Venerable Bede from Jarrow also referred to St George in his writings. The English attachment to St George grew in the wake of the medieval crusades to try to capture the Holy Land, when fighters taking part in these expeditions returned with stories concerning the saint.
One of the most prestigious award for gallantry which is awarded by the British Armed Forces is the George Cross. Many organisations have St George as their patron saint including the worldwide scouting movement. Scout groups will be taking part in "renewal of promise" events around the country, including at Stephen's House and Gardens in Finchley this afternoon.
I would like to wish all my constituents a Happy St George’s Day 2017! Well done to all the scouts and cadets who were at Stephens House in Finchley today for the annual St George's Day parade and Renewal of Promise by the Borough of Barnet Scouts.