I'm English and happy to be so although I'm not sure that I would say that I take pride in being English. I now live in the USA, a move that has changed my view on the nationalism that I was subject to before the move.

I am not proud of the government of either the UK or the USA but appreciate the people and achievements of both countries. I would happily pronounce my Englishness to anyone, without any shame - that is where I was born and the place that has influenced me as I grew up. I am starting to love my adopted country as well.

To me the USA has the flavour of being a teenager - very strong opinions and enthusiasms - because it only has a history for the present occupants stretching back about 400 years. The UK in comparison, is more mature and maybe more at ease with itself and with less need to proclaim its presence.

I am pleased that the cross of St George is seen more often in England. However, I think that it may be that the flag is being shown as a silent protest at those who wish to homogenise the people and to subsume, to some degree, the English culture so as not to upset minority groups. That is a little worrying.