BANK HOLIDAYS AND ST GEORGE'S DAY

That this House acknowledges that a Bank Holiday on St George's Day would be a great opportunity for all English people regardless of colour or religion to recognise what binds them together instead of concentrating on differences; realises that there is growing demand in England for a day of national celebration; notes that Northern Ireland has had a Bank Holiday on St Patrick's Day since 1903, the Scottish Parliament has introduced a voluntary Bank Holiday on St Andrew's Day and the Welsh Assembly agrees that St David's Day should be a holiday; further notes that organisations such as the St George Unofficial Bank Holiday saw a 300 per cent. increase in the number of St George events during 2009; points out that there is a danger that England could be left behind without an opportunity to celebrate its rich culture and heritage; and supports a Bank Holiday being held in England on 23 April or the nearest Friday to that date.