The Archbishop of York has told the English to celebrate their patron saint and be proud of their country on St George’s Day.

Dr John Sentamu said that being proud of England did not mean being xenophobic or a “blinkered nationalist” and that English people should not be afraid to show their pride in their nation.

He argued instead that they should “rejoice in the land we live in” as he called for the feast of St George, the patron saint of England, to be a day of celebration.

“To be patriotic, is to appreciate and be grateful for all that is valuable in the country you live in. It does not require you to be a xenophobe or a blinkered nationalist,” he said.

“The failure to recognise and to appreciate the goodly heritage of one's country of residence is a sign of an all-round ingratitude. Ingratitude in turn breeds cynicism.

“We should be proud of our country and not be afraid to show it!”

The Archbishop expressed his shock at the results of a recent report commissioned by This is England magazine, which found that 40 per cent of people felt England had lost its national identity, while 25 per cent said political correctness had left them feeling ashamed of their nationality.

“It also seems that only ten per cent of those questioned in England would happily fly the national flag. Well, I will be part of that group today as I will have the St George’s flag flying from Bishopthorpe Palace!” he said.

He added: “One of the great traditions of this country is our hospitality and we should invite others to join us today in celebrating St George!”