Decline in English Identity: Worcester’s St George’s Day Observance Reveals Surprising Trend

A recent report on St George’s Day celebrations in Worcester has unveiled a fascinating trend in the city’s sense of identity. According to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics, only about half of Worcester’s population now identifies as English, a figure that has declined significantly over the past decade.

The report indicated that just 53% of Worcester residents self-identified as English in the previous year, a notable decrease from 57% in 2016, pre-Brexit. This decline in English identification was further highlighted by the national statistics, which revealed that only 43% of people in England identified as English.

Respondents in the survey were given the option to select multiple identities, such as British, English, Scottish, Welsh, Irish, or ‘other.’ In Worcester, the percentage of those identifying as English dropped from 71% a decade ago to the current 53%, suggesting a noteworthy shift in local identity.

On a national scale, the data shows a general decline in English identification over the past decade. In 2016, 52% of respondents said they were English, a figure that increased to 54% in 2013 but was as high as 59% in 2004.

Sunder Katwala, director of the British Future think tank, noted that people’s sense of Englishness fluctuates, often peaking during major sporting events. He emphasized the need for inclusive celebrations of English identity beyond sports moments, suggesting that fostering a shared English identity could promote unity.

The Centre for English Identity and Politics at the University of Southampton cautioned against interpreting the findings without considering the complexity of individual identities. Director Professor John Denham highlighted the growing number of individuals identifying as equally English and British, indicating a nuanced approach to national identity.

In Worcester, 58% of respondents expressed a British identity, slightly above the national average of 57%. As St George’s Day celebrations continue in the city, the evolving trends in identity and the significance of cultural symbols like the English flag raise important questions about belonging and inclusivity in today’s society.