Ray Winstone has issued a defiant message on St George’s Day, proudly flying the English flag and calling on people to embrace their national identity. The Sexy Beast star posted a short video to Instagram on April 23, in which he appears in front of a flag of St George’s Cross.

He told viewers: "Wherever you are in the world, you will always be an Englishman and be proud of it. For England, for God, and for Saint George. God save the King. Happy St George’s Day." Winstone’s message comes as debate continues to rage over how St George’s Day should be celebrated, with some saying pride in Englishness is being stifled by what they see as a politically correct cultural climate.

His post has struck a chord with many who feel that the fear of public backlash overshadows England's national day. One follower commented: "I'm British and proud." Another chimed in: "For King & country. Happy St George’s day."

In Essex, Canvey Island local Terry White told GB News he would "do something for St George’s Day, but people are too scared". The pensioner added, "Englishness is really important… but cancel culture is stopping people from celebrating. Look at America, look at Australia – they’re proud, and we should be too."

Another resident, John Sutton, echoed those sentiments saying he was "very proud" to be English, but admitted: "It’s such a shame we don’t do more. I just think people are embarrassed."

Vanessa Jayne also said she believed England should follow the lead of other nations who celebrate their patron saints with fanfare, referencing St Patrick’s Day and adding: "We should make something of it too."

This year current UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer attempted to reclaim the flag, hosting a St George’s Day reception at No.10 and giving a speech about England’s diversity.

While he acknowledged concerns that the far-right has tried to "claim" the St George’s Cross, he also spoke about England’s current culture of inclusivity.

He made a reference to the contrast between his working-class roots and those of his "English Hindu" predecessor Rishi Sunak, saying: "That for me is something I think we should always be proud of and never take for granted."

But some feel those sentiments don’t go far enough. Conservative MP Andrew Rosindell has called for St George’s Day to be recognised as a public holiday, arguing that traditional English values and culture deserve more national celebration.