Watch the moment a tense row kicks off on GB News as broadcaster Samuel Sweek argues against the notion of national pride on St. George’s Day.
He was criticised by People’s Channel star Eamonn Holmes and political commentator Charlie Downes, with the latter suggesting his point of view was “pervasive”.
England’s national day is not a public holiday like St Patrick’s Day is in Ireland.
Speaking on GB News, Sweek said national pride is not a concept he believes in.
Making St George's Day a public holiday was cause for discussion on GB News
GB NEWS
“St George’s Day doesn’t float my boat”, he said. “There’s much to be taken from our country and people from England have done remarkable things over the years.
“For me, I was born in England. That’s not an achievement.”
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Eamonn interjected: “Why don’t you make it an achievement? How else would you celebrate the fact that you are an Englishman, born in England and you are very proud of your country?”
The commentator responded: “I think if we had a country I could aspire to be proud of - a country that stands up for the marginalised, a country which political and media class punches downwards, maybe I could be proud.
“I don’t believe in the concept of national pride. It’s luck of the draw. It’s a lottery.”
Charlie Downes said Sweek’s attitude is “common and pervasive” in today’s society and is typical of the liberal mind.
Samuel Sweek and Charlie Downes clashed on GB News
GB NEWS
“The liberal mind fears the nation”, he said.
“Nationhood gives each place a distinct flavour and texture and the liberal mind fears difference because its fundamental principle is equality.
“When you have distinct nations and distinct peoples with distinct identities and languages and so-on, the liberal mind sees that as a source of division. I don’t. I see it as a source of beauty.”
Eamonn questioned Sweek over whether he feels any sense of national pride when the national anthem plays, to which he said: “I don’t mind it when it’s on during the football.”
Eamonn Holmes thinks St George's Day should be a national holiday GB NEWS / GETTYHe continued: “It’s a song. Charlie talks about institutions like family and community but we’ve had a system for decades that punches downwards and breaks up the family.
“You could put it into a modern day context where families are pushed into poverty by government decisions. Pensioners are pushed into poverty with welfare takeaways. How could I be proud of that?
“If we had a country that stood up genuinely and supported its family and those in need, maybe I could feel an ounce of pride.”
Eamonn made an argument which Sweek conceded was fair, saying: “Maybe if you’re supporting your country, you’re supporting your community as well.
“You’re then making it a stronger, better place where people want to live and share.”
Sweek continued by admitting he “likes” living in England and feels lucky to do so given some of the atrocities that go on in other countries.
“Is that not something to celebrate then?”, Nana Akua probed.
Sweek then said Britain is responsible for wars around the world, saying it often “fuels the fire”.
