England can be true to itself, if liberals reclaim patriotism | Timothy Garton Ash

Nationalism and worse blight the landscape, but the flag of St George doesn’t have to blow to the right

And did those feet in ancient time walk upon England’s mountains green? No. And was the holy lamb of God on England’s pleasant pastures seen? No. And did the countenance divine shine forth upon our clouded hills? No. Yet I’m sure that we, the English, should adopt William Blake’s Jerusalem as our national anthem and sing it on all possible occasions.

Related: EU referendum: Arron Banks abandons legal challenge to Vote Leave leading Brexit campaign – live

We intone God Save the Queen – supposed to unite the English, Scots and Welsh. Anyone for warm beer and cricket?

Related: Jeremy Corbyn's EU passions are inflamed by prospect of Tory 'bonfire'

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Published on April 15, 2016 00:00
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