TO my English brothers and sisters who are upset that, unlike our neighbours in the United Kingdom, we do not excitedly demonstrate wholesale national pride on our Saint's day, I send this message.

Cheer up. Why do we need to beat our breasts and shout: "Hey, look at us, we're English".

Nationalism is the last refuge of the scoundrel. Nationalism is the measles of mankind.

Be proud within yourself. You don't need flags and banners. It is a wonderful country, we are host to many who want to join us and who rejoice in being second-hand English.

Remember Macaulay's "Why is it that an Irishman's or a Frenchman's hatred of England does not excite in me an answering hatred. I imagine that my national pride prevents it.

"England is so great that an Englishman cares little what others think of her or how they talk other."

So think along those lines and take this excellent advice: Don't get blue over the red and white.

R Jacks

Bolton