ST GEORGE'S DAY CAMPAIGN GATHERS PACE

9.17.20am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 22nd Jun 2005

Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne this week joined a cross-party group of MPs calling for St Georges day to be made a public holiday in England.

Mr Huhne signed an Early Day Motion in Parliament to add his support for the campaign which has gained momentum in recent months.

Pictured with his own St George's cross flying in his Eastleigh back garden Chris Huhne said "People in England should be proud of this country and is seems entirely fair that we should have the opportunity to celebrate St George's day properly.

"The Scots, Irish and Welsh are rightly never afraid to celebrate their national identities, and there is no reason why this should be any different in England.

"Making April 23rd day a bank holiday would allow everyone to celebrate the diverse cultures and great heritage which make England such a wonderful country.

"It would be a great opportunity for people to remember and reflect upon the contribution England has made to the world.

Mr Huhne added: "It is sad that national pride and patriotism are often mistaken for intolerance and bigotry. A St Georges day holiday would allow everybody, whatever their background, to enjoy the positive aspects of England and Englishness.

"We should also remember that Britain does not benefit from as many public holidays as most of our European counterparts. The hard working residents of Eastleigh deserve a break."

Notes to Editors

· St George's day falls on April 23rd

· Chris Huhne MP signed EDM 22 and the amendment which call for St George's day to be a public holiday and for this to take place without removing another holiday.

St GEORGE'S DAY

17.05.2005

Rosindell, Andrew

That this House calls on the Government to make St. George's Day a public holiday in England

St GEORGE'S DAY

19.05.2005

EDM 1a0

Taylor, David

at end add `without removing any existing public holiday.'

Ends

EU Days EU Days

Austria 13 Luxembourg 10

Belgium 10 Netherlands 8

Denmark 9.5 Portugal 12-14

Finland 12 Spain 12-14

France 11 Sweden 11

Germany 9-12 Britain * 7

Greece 10-12 Northern Ireland * 9

Ireland 9 EU average 10.8

Italy 12 United States 13

Source: IDS Europe