[West Ender]

It is sad that the thought of celebrating Britishness immediately becomes a subject of wariness about racism. The premise that being proud to be British may be equated with racism shows how insecure, if not paranoid, we have become. It is on a par with being wary of using Christian symbols for fear of offending other faiths. That is not being considerate to other races and faiths, it is patronising.

This is Great Britain, is it not? Not called "Great" because of glorification but, historically, to differentiate geographically from "Lesser Britain" - parts of Normandy and Brittany. We may originate from another part of the world, we may follow a religion other than the established Church but, if we hold or are entitled to hold a British Passport, we are British citizens. No matter what our origins we should celebrate the fact, all of us, together.