Boffins at some university or other have decided it would be a jolly good idea to replace St George with a better symbol of British identity. They rightly suggest that St George's day should be scrapped since St George was not English, never fought a dragon, and isn't even a saint!
When you first think about it, it's a good idea - instead, let's venerate the old oak tree (if you're quite done faffing about with yellow ribbons). But once we've looked past that surface, or bark, why the oak? Are we going for nostalgic antiquity here? Is this not New Britain in which we have just elected a militant and powerful coalition? Is this Nick and Dave's type of thinking?!
Absolutely not. Which is why I suggest that we instead adopt a figurehead with more recent meaning. Something culturally popular, perhaps something with unique beauty. Here are some suggestions:
The iPad
Andrew Lloyd webber
Doctor Who
Smallpox
The wheel of fortune
Krufts
Any one of the above would surely bring out country some much needed pride and something to shout about and for during a rugby match. I know I would happily fly my Andrew Lloyd Webber flag with pride on National ALW day.
