Today is Saint George's Day, and I'd like to take the opportunity to mark the occasion and send my best wishes to everyone who is commemorating our National Day.

Other than slaying fearsome dragons, Saint George is closely associated with the red English rose - something that we in the Labour party also identify with!

You may be surprised to learn, as I was, that Saint George is also the Patron Saint of many other countries, including Canada, Greece, Portugal, Ethiopia, Serbia, Montenegro and Georgia (naturally!).

However, here in England he is our Patron Saint, which makes April the 23rd the National Day for English people everywhere. It may not be as well known as some other National days, which is a pity, but I think it is an important opportunity for us to remember and celebrate the unique English customs and culture within the United Kingdom.