St George’s Day should be a public holiday and it not being so is “scandalous”, according to GB News star Eamonn Holmes.
The annual celebration commemorates the anniversary of the patron saint of England but is not marked with a national holiday.
However, many have suggested it should be a day off for the English as Scotland and Northern Ireland get holidays for St Andrew’s Day and St Patrick’s Day respectively.
“I celebrate anybody’s day”, Eamonn, who hails from Northern Ireland, said.
Eamonn Holmes wants a public holiday for St George's Day
GETTY / GB NEWS
“Here’s the question, why are you not off today? Why is it not a national holiday? I just find it scandalous.
“Why is there not a petition? Why is there not a demand that today is a public holiday in England? I just find it weird.”
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Isabel Webster pointed out that she was wearing the colours of the St George’s Flag to mark the occasion, something Eamonn had not done.
“It’s because I’m not English”, he responded.
While it’s not a public holiday in England, the country has found ways to celebrate its heritage on the occasion with Nottingham unfurling a huge St George’s Flag in its city centre.
GB News has been speaking to local residents who have shared their delight at the display.
A giant St George's flag was unveiled in Nottingham ahead of St George's Day
GB News
Eamonn Holmes spoke to Isabel Webster and Paul Coyte
GB NEWS
“It matters because the 23rd April is St George’s Day, and we’re being forgotten about”, said Colin Mellors, who showed GB News’ East Midlands reporter Will Hollis his flag-cladded house.
Reacting to the giant flag, one resident said: “I think it’s amazing. Absolutely amazing, it makes me proud about something in our country.
Another added: “I think it’s really good to see it up there. It’s good to see a celebration of something in our country.”
Not everyone in Nottingham were enamoured by the display, with a couple making clear to Will how indifferent they were.
“It’s a flag”, one said. “I didn’t even realise it was there, to be honest with you.”
St George has been celebrated as England’s patron saint since the 14th century and legend states he was a dragon-slaying knight.
History traces him back to modern day Turkey, a Roman soldier who died fighting for Christianity.
