Is patriotism a virtue?

UK Prime Minister Tony Blair wants to celebrate "Britishness". So does his Conservative opponent, William Hague.

As the party leaders try to appeal to the patriotic voter, is it time to rethink what it means to love your country?

Violent football fans and far-right groups have made some Brits uneasy about flying the flag. But other countries are unashamed.

Technology and travel has made the world smaller and blurred national boundaries.

But are you still proud to stick up for your country?

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Your reaction

Patriotism may not lead to Nationalism, but it is a dangerous game to play

Nick, EU (Brit citizen, living in Germany)

Patriotism may not lead to Nationalism, but it is a dangerous game to play when you are a government that has half devolved the country, upset the English, imposed a leader on the Welsh, messed up the London nominations and is having trouble in Scotland, not to mention the difficulties Northern Ireland.... Being British is fine, but it is a group identity, nothing more. I can say that I am European, English or British and I don't much care which...
Nick, EU (Brit citizen, living in Germany)

As a black person born in Britain, I have always had a problem with the notion of patriotism. It has always had negative connotations for many other ethnic minorities and also me. I have never perceived myself to be British, but rather European. I am pleased to see that Tony Blair has now come up with a concept that is 'inclusive', rather than 'exclusive'.
Darren Letford, England

It's common opinion that the 'Union' flag (or butchers apron to many) has no respect left in any part of the world. There is and was, nothing proud about colonialism, and the mess it left in many countries is still the cause of problems today. After 200 years of existence the question should not be why is the 'Union' falling around our ears but why was it established in the first place.
Jack, England

Declaring patriotism means defending ones country, not supporting it.

Gregory Dittman, USA

Declaring patriotism means defending ones country, not supporting it. If your country's leaders do something you don't like, you don't have to support them, even if they try to hit you with the "You're unpatriotic" talk. You should defend your country against verbal or physical threats.
Gregory Dittman, USA

It is not the fact that that people in this country simply want to fly their flags that turns me against patriotism. It is the homophobia and inhospitable behaviour towards emigrants and even refugees that give these "British Bulldogs" their bad name.
Rosie, UK

True patriotism is when you can feel proud of your country in good times and bad. Governments may come and go, but the nation-state lives in its people.
Josh, Hawaii, USA

Middle Britain was always patriotic. It was they who went to war for 'king and country'; went to the colonies to live, work and die, leaving a legacy for good which lasts until this day. It is middle Britain who has shown unstinting loyalty to our sovereign; who will not bow to terrorism in Northern Ireland nor accept them in government; who are the reason a referendum on EU has never been allowed by Westminster. The socialist agenda has, for the last 30 years tried to rewrite history and make Britain feel ashamed of it's glorious past. It has succeeded in part, which has resulted in the decline of Britain.
David Wilson, GB /Brazil

Knowing, preserving, and being proud of one's heritage is what distinguishes man from beast. Patriotism, as long as it's not absurd racism, is certainly a human virtue.
Andrej, Russia

OK, so Mr Blair's comments were rather over-earnest, and bore all the hallmarks of being written by a Millbank clone, but my reading of them was a positive one. After all, isn't it just possible that we can be British and proud, AND European and proud? Come to think of it (and because a previous contributor has raised the subject) could we not also be a fully integrated member of the EU, AND a member of NAFTA? That way we can act as a 'bridge of understanding' between the two major powers. But whatever we decide about our identity, let it be positive, forward-looking and inclusive, and for everyone's sake. Please let us NEVER follow the agenda of those (some of whom have made contributions here) who want to fashion true 'Britishness' as anti-Europe; anti-immigrant; anti-ethnic minority; anti-Irish Welsh or Scottish, anti-gay and anti-positive.
Geoff, England

Having spent a year in the USA, I have learnt to appreciate the qualities that Britain has to offer including free health care for all, a good education system and responsible gun laws. We should have the same pride in our country that the Americans have.
Tim, UK (British)

Once we were powerful and respected throughout the world, but now we have become a nation of heathens and hedonists

Steve Mimmack, UK

Tony Blair is selling out to Europe. He doesn't care what British people think. Once we were powerful and respected throughout the world, but now we have become a nation of heathens and hedonists. The moral fibre of our society has broken down and is being eroded by leaders who have no morals or integrity.
Steve Mimmack, UK

To Steven Young from Scotland: The ever-growing power and further integration of the European Union is a threat to Scotland's identity just as much as England's! This is the year 2000, and now that we have devolved governments the people of Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and even England, should seriously think about where there loyalties belong in the 21st Century! We can either remain governed democratically from London and be part of one of the greatest nations on Earth, or we can belong under a socialist European federation! No matter how much we may hate the English, the interests of the Scottish, Welsh, and Northern Irish people would be much better off being handled in London, rather then Brussels!
Andrew, Wales

Is patriotism a virtue, are you kidding? Try the alternative and see how long your nation survives. Other countries of the world that covet western technological power and prominence do not waste their time with excursions into constant self-loathing and deprecation. That is the province of leisure, afforded to ungrateful western democracies that devalue their own worth. If you do not love your own country, who the hell else will?
Christopher Pepper, United States

Patriotism - or any adherence to a comfort-giving group, be that religious, political or social - runs the risk of manifesting itself as xenophobia, racism and / or dangerous fundamentalism. I prefer to think of myself as an individual and a member of the human race first, before considering any feelings I may have about where I happened to be born and live.
Keith Dumble, Scotland

England has nothing to fear from the recent resurgence in "Celtic Nationalism"

Gareth Davies, Wales

England has nothing to fear from the recent resurgence in "Celtic Nationalism". We recognise that there is nothing more offensive to a Canadian than being mistaken for an American, yet the English authors here fail to understand that the Welsh, Scots and Northern Irish feel the same indignation when we are labelled by foreigners, and on occasion the English themselves, as being English.

At its root, Celtic nationalism stems from the wish to be considered as equal partners in this 'union', to govern ourselves according to our distinctive national strengths (and weaknesses) and to take pride in those differences. All we want is to move away from the sheep and haggis "jokes" and towards a time where both 'locals' and foreigners alike appreciate that we not only exist, but that we have something unique to offer the rest of the world.
Gareth Davies, Wales

Patriotism is definitely a virtue. It may not be helping with the Kosovo situation right now, but if a person likes the actions and policies of the country he/she is in, then patriotism can only do good.
Stephen, USA

I always knew that he was thick skinned but for Tony Blair to claim his support for Britishness takes some beating. This from a man who has done more in such a short time to destroy the history and traditions of this country. The break-up of the Union, his contempt of Parliament and the House of Lords (Not perfect, but it worked) his continual promotion of the EU, resulting in our laws now being made in Brussels and his failure to reduce the influx of bogus refugees, thereby diluting our traditional way of life. What a hypocrite
Ronald Banks, UK

I'm English because I was born here and brought up here and that's as far as it goes.

Richard C, England

I'm English because I was born here and brought up here and that's as far as it goes. The differences between the English, the French, the Italians etc are much less than the similarities. Living in London, I probably have more in common with someone from Barcelona than Aberdeen or Cornwall and I'm not so lacking in self-confidence that I need to hide behind a flag. I love my country because it's my home, that doesn't mean to say I'm proud of all the crimes done in its name.
Richard C, England

I find it insulting to find a question about "Britishness" proposed by politicians. If the last few years have shown us anything, it's that patriotism is already very strong amongst the Scottish, Welsh and Irish. At music festivals, fans of bands like Texas and the Stereophonics flock to see their idols waving their national flags, so why should the English be any different? I for one am sick of being lumbered with the union jack every time a debate on patriotism comes up. Let's see some St. Georges out there!
Robert Jones, England

To talk of a sense of 'Britishness' is to be ridiculed. We have no shared identity; the majority of people consider themselves to be from the various constituent parts of the UK before thinking about the sum. If our image is based upon an old colonial past which wrought destruction across the globe, I feel sad to be British.
Mark Whitehouse, Birmingham, Britain

All I can say is that United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland are the greatest nation that the world has ever seen.

Ib Balicanta, Philippines

All I can say is that United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland are the greatest nation that the world has ever seen, and not a divided one. Canadians, Australians, and even the Americans should be proud that you've become apart of Britain. So you Britons show us what you're really made of, and not to be contented with the things your ancestors have done for you all! Step up, and let those French and Germans see who's the BOSS after all.
Ib Balicanta, Philippines

Why does every topic in here always comes down to something about the United States? The question was about British patriotism not Americas. Do Americans think we are the best country on this planet YES. And the British should think the same way!
Larry T, USA

I would feel more patriotic to my country if we had a federal Britain.

D Howells, Wales

Before Tony Blair starts becoming patriotic, he should stop giving anymore of our power to Europe, and continue the devolution process which has not yet been completed. As a Welshman I feel like we have been treated like we are an inferior country! Why should both Scotland and Northern Ireland be offered a proper assembly/parliament with legal powers, where as we get a pointless talking shop! Wales should be offered something equal to Scotland, and a referendum should be held in England to decide on an English Parliament. I would feel more patriotic to my country if we had a federal Britain, an idea every Brit (English, Scottish, Welsh, or Northern Irish) should be proud of, rather then being part of a federal Europe!
D Howells, Wales

"He who loves not his country, loves nothing" - Lord Byron Says it all.
Brett Wright, USA (British)

I think it's a real shame that the English people have been made to feel ashamed at saying that they are proud even happy to be English. I'm Welsh and I've always been proud of it and have been encouraged to be that way, it even seems fashionable at the moment. In my opinion to be proud of who you are does not mean that you have to like everything your ancestors did. But it is to say "I'm Welsh" or "I'm English and whilst I may not like my countries history I'm willing to embrace it, learn from it and become a citizen of this country in the most productive way, so that my kids don't have this problem."
Elin Hywel, Wales

Absolutely! We have done nothing to be ashamed of! Patriotism is definitely on the decline. Patriotism brought us through two world wars and our darkest hour. The very survival of everything British depends on patriotism, as long as there are patriots, there'll always be an England, however diminutive our role in world affairs.
Peter Crawford-Bolton, UK (in US)

Fiona (England) has managed in one paragraph to alienate a large number of the inhabitants of Northern Ireland. These people can call themselves British because they come from the British Isles, consisting of Great Britain (the big bit that Fiona lives on) and lots of other smaller islands, including Ireland (which at one time was known as Little Britain). So, Fiona, before you go upsetting possibly the most pro-British part of the UK, I suggest you gain a basic grasp of geography.
Simon, UK (currently in USA)

Come on you Brits, fly the flag. Be proud.

Mark Smith, Canada

I live in Canada but I am English and always will be. I proudly fly my Union Jack AND my George Cross. We should all be proud of our past in Britain; we changed the world. Britain would be much better to dump the EU and join NAFTA, at least we would get some of the respect we deserve. People should fly the flag in Britain like we do in North America, be proud of who and what we are. In the US there are Stars and Stripes everywhere and in Canada there are maple leaf flags everywhere so come on you Brits, fly the flag. Be proud.
Mark Smith, Canada

It is of utmost importance to distinguish between patriotism and narrow-minded nationalism. Patriotism is very much a virtue, nationalism, just like fascism, racism and intolerance is a vice.
Suhail Shafi, Malta

It is shameful that anybody who is an immigrant to this country should have anything but praise for the Brits and their capabilities and tolerance, after all, if Brits are less tolerant than others why come here in the first place? I am an immigrant and am eternally grateful to the Brits for giving me a safe haven.
AO, England

This is a special country, and I will fight against all who intend to change that.

Ulrich Seel, Germany

I believe very much in patriotism and will always be proud of The Royal Family, the Union Jack and of the British way of life. This is a special country, and I will fight against all who intend to change that. I pray to God that unpatriotic Anthony Blair will not rip the union between the four British identity groups. We have not to feel ashamed of our history like so many others and I see the British Empire as a great achievement that lasted all too short.
Ulrich Seel, Germany

Personally for me on the whole topic and debate on "Britishness" well to be honest I do not subscribe to these romanticised notions from the past that people try to force on us. Like ceremonies that are about wars we once had or anything to do with the monarchy. Call it cold but I think for us to move on as a nation we should maybe throw off all these dust covered traditions that hold us back and move into the new millennium, else what will happen? We will be left behind to our own decrement.
Ezekiel Jones, UK

While Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland all proudly proclaim their individual national identities, try and do the same for England and you're branded a xenophobe at best and a racist at worst.
Richard P, England

Are we really as bad as all that?

Dan V, UK

The thing that annoys me the most about being British is having to put up with the seemingly overwhelming vice of self-hatred. Why is it that all of the positive comments and encouragement towards patriotism seem to come either from other countries or British residents with foreign origins. Are we really as bad as all that? - The NHS may be creaking, but see how much free healthcare you'll get in California while recovering from your drive-by shooting injuries. - Apologies if that seems like an easy cheap shot, but I thought I'd better maintain the standard set by some previous entries.
Dan V, UK

Tony Blair sets out to destroy the institutions of the United Kingdom and then pretends to be patriotic. I know politicians can be less than consistent but Blair stretches the concept too far. I'm proud to be British, less just now than in the past maybe. British history should be celebrated as no other nation has left such a great legacy. I doubt if Tony would agree, but he may say anything to be "popular".
Peter Wallace, Brazil (British Citizen)

Although being half Scottish and half English but living in England most of my life. I consider myself British and very proud of my country, but the typically moaning groaning Scottish who always have nothing positive to add always have an axe to grind with the English. You have your independence now so live with it and shut up. United we stand divided we fall. We're British.
Allan McColgan, Living in Sweden

Patriotism is felt inside, brings a lump to the throat, a real, abiding love for this "sceptred isle".

Pat, UK

What a load of twaddle some people are writing. Yes, there are a lot of things wrong with Britain, but there's a lot right with it too, (including the right to have a good moan about the current government/royalty etc without fear of reprisal).
One of the things I love most about my country is the way we open our boundaries, doors, hearts and wallets to those oppressed, hungry, and otherwise disadvantaged, no matter where they come from. Our government(s) espouse equality for all who live here, never mind that it is sometimes difficult to achieve, they try. True patriots rarely wave the flag, and don't include rowdy and drunken "supporters" of any sport - the rest of us are ashamed of them. Patriotism is felt inside, brings a lump to the throat, a real, abiding love for this "sceptred isle". I have visited, but would never want to live in, any other country.
Pat, UK

I would like to be a patriot but if I displayed the Union Jack in my garden I would be taken to court for being racist. In the US you see a flag pole in virtually every garden! This country really is going to the dogs thanks to the Left wing fools in government.
M.Smith, UK

I would like to point out that the Union "Jack" as everyone (including BBC presenters) insists on calling it is only called so if it is flown off a "jackstaff" which is located at the stern of a ship. The name of our flag is the Union Flag.
David Gilbert, Scotland

In reply to Fiona of England and others, "British" is just a collective noun for those from the British Isles (of which Ireland is a part). It is not considered politically correct to say, but even we Irish (by this definition) are British whatever our allegiances...
Michael James, Ireland

I used to be patriotic, but am almost ashamed to be associated with Phony Tony's idea of Britishness.

John, UK

Patriotism is essentially a good thing. It is, however, difficult to be proud to be British when I am "represented" by a government more interested in style than substance, more interested in appeasing gays than representing the people, and more interested in forcing us into Europe than strengthening our own country. I used to be patriotic, but am almost ashamed to be associated with Phony Tony's idea of Britishness.
John, UK

I do not want to define my whole being by my accident of birth. The Americans are the biggest patriots I know, and I find the thing rather vulgar and irritating.
Wendy, UK

Overbearing patriots are generally a bore.

Christopher Cradock, UK

I believe there is a good deal more residual pride in the United Kingdom than is often acknowledged and this is a good thing as overbearing patriots are generally a bore. However, there is a danger that not celebrating the history, traditions and current achievements of the UK destroys social cohesion and cheapens our present culture. Perhaps the best way of reminding ourselves of this is to pay attention to what others say about us and we can read some of that here.
Christopher Cradock, UK

Living in China has taught me a lot about what I love and hate about England. I see daily, people who would give anything to be as "poor" as those who complain that the state does nothing for them.
Robin Leith, China

There is nothing wrong about loving your country, however, the dumbing down press tend to make loving your country an issue about which country is the best, strongest, etc.
Gerry, Scotland

It would help if our national airline would fly the flag and set an example.

Dan, Belgium

I am a British person who is living in Brussels. Unfortunately when speaking with people from other European countries the general feeling is "..what has Britain ever given the World..". I therefore find myself on the defensive and end up having to quote British inventors, artists, scientists etc...
It seems that as a people we are led to be silent about our achievements and not publicise them too much. Well if we don't sing our praises then most definitely our European cousins won't. Let's be proud to be British.
Let's make sure our children get a good education in history, especially our own. Maybe it would also help further if our national airline would fly the flag and set an example.
Dan, Belgium

Yawn, Another two minutes of spin from the King of Spin. Is there votes in it? Maybe! That is Blair's only agenda over the next 12 months to get voted back into power. The English electorate are not that stupid.
This man preaches how great it is to be European in one breath, and because it's not an election winner, he now jumps on the Proud to be English one, in the hope that gets him votes.
Jonathan Perree, Russia

It is interesting to see the attitude many English people have about the European Union. This is the same attitude a large number of Scots have felt about the UK the past 300 years.
Steven Young, Scotland

England is struggling to find itself at the moment.

Jon B, Sweden (English)

I really believe England is struggling to find itself at the moment. There is all sorts of apathy amongst the young English which bodes no good for the future.
I believe a lot of this is perpetuated by the sheer inequality which still stands in England. For a country which describes itself as forward looking into the 21st century, the poorly paid workers i.e. teachers, nurses and civil service workers, and outrageous Fat-cat payouts, are distinctly reminiscent of being dragged back into the pits of the 19th century. Fairness has given way attention-seeking, image-obsessed and money-wasting attitudes, which have no place in our ever shrinking world.
Jon B, Sweden (English)

If we were more patriotic, we might have a car industry still.

Matthew Miller, Hong Kong

I am an ex-pat living in Hong Kong and would be the first to admit to having a fierce patriotism - which I think is a good thing. Us Brits should buy British - I always do if possible. Go to to Korea and count in a day how many non-Korean cars you see, likewise closer to home in France, where everyone drives French if they can. If we were more patriotic, we might have a car industry still.
Matthew Miller, Hong Kong

Patriotism is a mild form of nationalism. It can be exploited by governments to get the population's support. It can also very easily become nationalism or even xenophobia.
Nicolas Jarraud, France

Patriotism is not only the last refuge of a scoundrel, but is probably a form of mental illness, revealing an individual's inability to form a personal identity for himself without wallowing in a haze of superstitious supposed national traits.
Richard Prevett, France/Canada

I am one of those flag waving Americans.

Leanne, USA

To Rob Harris, I am one of those flag waving Americans (who just so happens to share the same last name) that you hold contempt for. I display the American flag not for thinking my country is better than any other but for all my forefathers who sacrificed life and limb for our freedoms that we take for granted every day.
The USA has a way to go in domestic and foreign policy, but for a country that is only 224 years old, we don't have as bad of a track record as some of the other democratic nations who have been at it far longer. I can't say that I wouldn't want to live anywhere else, but I am proud to be an American and hopeful that we will continue to improve in our shortcomings.
Leanne, USA

I have now lived way over half of my 43 years, in other lands. My English is not what it was. Yet to see Manchester United on the TV fills me with pride. Likewise the roar from Twickenham. Being a patriot is about being proud of your country, accepting it has made mistakes, that others may in some respects be better. Yet above all not spending time always looking back at a country's past, but looking forward to the future.
Tim Allen, Sweden

When has "Britishness" ever paid my bills?

Pete Morgan-Lucas, Does it matter?

I certainly don't feel nationalistic or patriotic; if anything I view such sentiments as rather quaint and outdated. When has "Britishness" ever paid my bills? I view myself as a "citizen of the world" rather than being British or European or English or anything else.
Pete Morgan-Lucas, Does it matter?

I feel both Scottish AND British. Still only a minority (30%) of people want an independent Scotland and most are happy with the present devolved situation. It seems to me that it is the English part of the UK that needs to work out its identity and how it wants itself represented.
Part of the problem with this, of course, is that for so long people down south have used England and Britain as synonymous terms. Devolution for the other nations within the UK has suddenly exposed this arrogance.
David, Scotland

Our grandfathers fought to save Britain. Why is every one so unpatriotic these days? Fly the Union Jack with pride. And let's keep the pound.
Andy MacDonald, UK

The promotion of nationalist sentiments in the mass media and by the government in today's multi-cultural society is a sure recipe for extremist "right wing" hate-mongering and racism. True lasting character of a nation is seldom built via mass propaganda from the top, but by providing stable family and community institutions at the bottom.
M. Asif, USA

There is plenty to be proud of in British history

Jenni, England

I like to have pride in my country and in the whole UK/GBR. But what are they teaching in schools? That Britain was an imperialist nation and should be ashamed of the way it treated India and other colonies. Children are not taught about our victorious history, about how we stood against Germany twice and helped free France and suppress fascism.
Jenni, England

Why is it that English football fans are occasionally criticised for flying the St George Cross at instead of the Union Jack at football matches? The St George Cross is the national flag of England, no one seems to object against the Scottish or Welsh fans who fly their national flag at their matches.
Richard, Wales

It seems very odd to me that Tony Blair talks about Britishness when he is largely responsible for destroying that concept. After devolution, matters will only get worse as Britain continues to be shackled to a French-dominated EU. Britain would be far better off ditching the EU and joining NAFTA, thereby retaining her sovereignty.
Ray Marsh, Australia

Patriotism and the sense of unity it creates has saved this country many times from the yoke of tyranny. A lack of patriotism has created this selfish "me first" society. A poor education system and a consistent campaign against patriotism has created people who cannot identify with the country they live in or the society they belong to.
Bob Englishman, England

I am the first in my family to be born in this country, and consider myself to be both Macedonian and British. In my opinion, the British are among the most tolerant people in the world. In fact, they bend over backwards for all minorities. Every Brit should be proud of this country's past achievements. In my opinion, Blair's speech is obviously intended to convince us that the British identity is not connected to our currency, therefore increasing his chances of scrapping the pound.
Zvonko Matovski, UK

Patriotism is love for the ground you walk on, for the air you breathe there, for the place you can always call home.

Dawit, Ethiopian in New York

I come from a country known for its problems. Sometimes it's recognised for its great history, but most of the time it is the sad facts and figures one associates with Ethiopia. Yet, I would not wish myself born any other citizen. It's hard to explain, but patriotism is more than pride, it really is love for the ground you walk on, for the air you breathe there, for the place you can always call home. Sure America is a great place with great opportunities, but it could never truly be home.
Dawit, Ethiopian in New York

Violent football fans and hate groups who wave the flag and commit violent crimes in the name of patriotism are not patriotic. As the world shrinks and national boundaries are blurred, there is an even greater need than before to be patriotic. People have a basic need and desire to be a part of something much greater than themselves, such as the country that they belong to.
Jeff, USA

The passion patriotism generates should not culminate in an intolerable assumption of superiority over other citizens relegating one category of people to "one of them" as opposed to "one of us". Lets confine nationalism to parades and fan fare, and lets not incorporate it into the national agenda.
Tahir Nawab, NY, USA

I believe that patriotism should be subtle and reserved. If a citizen is not overflowing with nationalist sentiments, then that merely reflects a confidence in the strength and integrity of his or her country. Rampant patriotism is more a symptom of a dysfunctional society than that of a united one and when a nation is facing a crisis (i.e. war), it is the confidently reserved patriots that stand to the end while the 'fanatical flag-wavers' run away.
Robert Kidd, Australia

How many English celebrate St George's Day with as much relish as the Irish with St Patrick's Day? How many English know when our patron saint's day is? Very few on both counts.
Michelle, England

Patriotism isn't just about what happens in our own country, but also about the way we conduct ourselves internationally.

Claire, Cardiff, Wales

Because of our history as an imperialist nation we have lots in our past that we should learn lessons from. I am however very proud of Britain as it stands in the 21st Century. We were the country that had the courage to intervene in the Kosovo crisis and stand up to Milosovic. More recently the cancellation of the debts of 42 of the worlds poorest countries and the action in Mozambique show once again our Government's and our peoples' willingness to help those around the world less fortunate than ourselves.
Claire, Cardiff, Wales

Are you British if you are born here, no matter what colour or creed? You should be. I wonder how many of the far-right morons who shame us gave a little cheer when Linford Christie won the Olympics. I'm just glad I live in such a tolerant country. There are far worse counties to live in.
Amanda, England

The problem is where to draw the line between justifiable pride and the kind of racism that manifests itself in the national tabloids.
Ubong Effeh, UK

I live here. That's all. You take my money in tax and increasingly, tell me more and more what I can and can't do, and yet you expect me to "worship" the concept. Very strange indeed.
Bob, country: who cares!

Living in another country has taught me "patriotism" doesn't mean being a xenophobic idiot. The days of Enoch Powell have gone and there's now a new generation who are exposed to so much more.
Terry, UK in USA

Tribalism directly causes conflict. How stupid do the Americans look with all their "bow down to the flag" brainwashing? How does ostentatious national arrogance help international relations? I'd find it amusing to discover just how many nuke-enabled countries world-wide have nukes pointed at the US right at this second. All of them I'd guess.
Rob Harris, England

We have very little cause to be nationalistic. I came here to California to work 18 months ago as part of a 2 year contract. I will never return to the UK if I can help it. You experience life here and realise what you're missing in the UK. There is an inevitable conclusion that deeply saddens me - Britain sucks, devolved or united.
Warren Price, California (British Citizen)

Tony Blair has a cheek to come out with this nonsense just because of the election. Once it is over and he has secured power for another 4 years he'll go back to destroying the UK and England. I am proud to be English AND British. Many people feel like they have to choose one or the other.
John Walmsley, England, United Kingdom

Finding myself in a foreign land I found myself more aware of my 'Britishness'.

Mark Laurence Scott, Brit in California, USA

I was never a patriot when I lived in England, and right wing nationalist rhetoric still really annoys me. But finding myself in a foreign land (and America is much more foreign than you might think), I found myself more aware of my 'Britishness'. There seems to be a sense of pride and nation in the USA that is not evident in the UK. Americans are raised with the notion that they are great and their country is great, and this is apparent in the attitude and confidence that I see in the faces of most Americans.
Mark Laurence Scott, Brit in California, USA

Nationalism and patriotism are both enemies of humanity. They encourage people to believe in themselves as nations rather than in humanity. With more collective knowledge of the world should come unity, not separation, increased individualism and more borders. It is only in this way that humanity regains it's communal structure and it's humane core.
Benj'min Mossop, Britain

Hey Angus, California: Earthquakes, riots, approx. 90,000 gang members in L.A, extreme violence and crime, huge fires, smog alerts and respiratory problems, traffic jams that make the M25 look fun, useless public transportation, droughts. But it's not all bad, the weather is nice.
Kim, US

Most Scots that I happen to know, including my husband, do not feel British but Scottish. I have noticed that there is a great deal of 'Britishness' in Scots and that the differences between them and the rest of the UK do not really make up for the similarities.
M.V.Loenen, Scotland (Dutch)

Love of one's country is not a crime, it is shameful for persons to hate their country all the while enjoying the comforts and protections of it that many men and women have died to preserve.
Daniel Thompson, USA

Margaret Thatcher destroyed more than 3 million jobs as part of the New World Order. Her disciples have continued the same political religion for the last 20 years and have successfully removed any possibility of patriotic idealism. New Labour continues these same agendas. Despite Blair's vain rhetoric, there is no room for patriotism in this "New Order".
David Baynes, Canada

Angus: the grass is always greener on the other side. I'm Californian, but my wife and I found Britain and Ireland very charming and I always thought it would be a nice place to live. We have more diversity here in the U.S.: Anglo-Saxon Protestant Californians are very different from say African-Americans from the South. Yet, we're all Americans. We certainly have our problems but many of us both embrace our differences and our similarities. It's hard for me to understand many of the opinions listed here.
Brien Alkire, USA

Although I identify with Britain (as well as England) I don't think we should be overly sentimental about the prospect of the break-up of Britain. If Britain is dead then long live England!
Nicolas Holzapfel, England

Mr Blair spends so much time spinning and appeasing that his definition of Britishness today is vastly different from that of most people. Be you black, white or Asian you should be proud of your country. Speaking as a West African you have a lot to be proud of. If there was more national pride there would be less leeway for fascism.
Emeka, UK-Nigeria

Blair, whose real agenda is to become President of Europe and has to hand us over to Euroland to achieve this, is not wholly sincere in his espousal of Britishness.
Nicholas Beale, England

It would amaze Americans that there might be Britons who are not proud of being British. You gave us our language, our law, much of our Constitution, and our love of liberty. We are proud to call you family.
Mason, US

The word British carries with it both nostalgia and hatred, pride and paranoia.

A Mudiganti, UK/India

The word British carries with it both nostalgia and hatred, pride and paranoia. Nostalgia for the Raj which changed the world and hatred for the terrors mounted in the name of King/Queen and country. Pride - a country which has produced Newton, Watt, Darwin, Harvey, Rutherford etc. Paranoia - xenophobia. Living in a bygone era when things were ever so sweet (and millions toiled and died in the colonies) Its up to the politicians and people of the day who they would like to have a mascot for the New Britain - Tony Blair or Anne Widdecombe.
A Mudiganti, UK/India

Why do the loyalists of Northern Ireland insist on labelling themselves 'British' when they are not. 'British' means you're either English, Scottish or Welsh. The official title of the UK explains this: "The United Kingdom of Great Britain AND Northern Ireland". The people of Northern Ireland should be proud of their Irish identity, even if they don't want to belong to The Republic.
Fiona, England

Britain died when Blair & Co left the English out of the equation in the referenda in Scotland and Wales. The English will now have to rely on the birth of an English Parliament to look after their interests. The war between regions has already started, Alec Salmond has advised Scots living in London not to vote for Norris.
Len Welsh, England

How very convenient for Tony Blair that the values he describes as British just happen to match the agenda of New Labour. What a spot of luck! Every right thinking Briton will know whom to vote for at the next election.
Leighton Arnold, Minnesota, USA

The British are simply dying out. Within a generation this super-national concept will have gone forever.
Malcolm McCandless, Scotland

Far more dangerous than patriotism is loss of identity. Denying national identity creates tensions that ultimately results in extreme nationalism. The cool Britannia image Blair tried to export since he came to power is an image without subtlety and content.
Peter, UK / Australia

Both liberals and conservatives can be patriots and/or nationalists. I'm a liberal and a conservative. I am proud that my heritage as an Englishman includes the ancient right to trial by jury (a right which Jack Straw has described as "eccentric"). That's one of the many reasons I'll be celebrating St George's Day on 23 April.
Henry Case, UK

I find it increasingly difficult to stick up for my country, and especially "my" Government.

Chris Murphy, UK

I find little pride in an under-funded NHS an education system which is not free, a country whose people at worst oblivious, and best passive about world affairs, and a country that charges more for goods than most others.
Chris Murphy, UK

What's Britishness? We don't want to be British anymore. We are English, Scottish, Irish or Welsh. Allow all these nations to have their own wills. Leave them to decide their own destinies.
Mig Twin, England

Patriotism is the first and last refuge of the scoundrel. As long as you have people saying I am proud to be British you always have people blind to that fact that we are part of the human race. Nationalism and "Britishness" reinforces notions of us and them, and propagates xenophobia.
Mike, England

Tony wants us to celebrate our Britishness but he does nothing to stop our traditional industries from disappearing or our farmers going to the wall. We should join the Euro and grow closer to Europe but not at the expense of sacrificing our identity.
Mark, Germany (British citizen)

Why would I "love my country"? Why should I stick up for a nation that is butchering kids in Iraq? Why should I stick up for a nation that makes a lot of money selling weapons? Why should I love a country that attacks vulnerable refugees? What on earth is the "love of a country"?
Joe, UK

The way forward is to foster an environment where people feel able to say "Vive la difference" without fear of recrimination, NOT to be compressed by the powers that be into a homogenous mess where we all pretend to be clones of each other. People are individuals.
Fiona, UK

With substandard education and health, civil liberties being gradually eroded, draconian drug laws, rising crime and a questionable foreign policy, what is there to be proud of? If the British were secure in their identity and proud of who they are, then there wouldn't be so much fear attached to letting go of America's coat-tails and moving towards the EU.
Sheena, UK

As a Scot living in France I find it difficult to associate myself with many English people, who continue to call Great Britain England, when addressing international meetings. The first step towards general patriotism would be to put all citizens on an equal footing and see if the situation improves.
Gaumer Helen, France

Anyone who is proud to be living in Blighty these days may have overlooked the following points: depressing weather, rip-off prices, ugly cities, bland chain pubs, dirty beaches, no skiing, NHS queues, 11pm closing times, bouncers, unstylish nightclubs, late trains, broken tube escalators, endless roadworks, car boot sales, mobile phone bores... Tony should face facts that Britain isn't a particularly stylish place to live. Personally, I'd like to live in California or Sydney. They've got the right idea.
Angus, England

Being an Englishman in Wales, it increasingly strikes me that Wales Scotland want to go it alone, and not be associated with us lower class citizens. If we could put our differences aside and stop bickering about who does what, Britain could soon be Great Britain once more.
Alex Banks, Wales

Anyone with intelligence will understand governments like the people to be patriotic. This gives people with simple minds a reason to toe the line. Just like religion is also encouraged by governments to give meaning to the poor, while the people in government make money for themselves indirectly.
Krishan Canagasabey, UK