The Deeply Contentious Debate Around What It Means to Be English

The deeply contentious debate around what – As the sun bathed Swindon’s streets in golden light, a whimsical scene unfolded: a friendly dragon waddled past pedestrians, its plastic form glistening under the April sky. The creature, a symbol of England’s patron saint, St George, was deployed to promote national pride alongside the town crier. Shoppers paused to smile at the mascot, its presence a reminder of the storied past that ties the nation to its mythical icon. Yet, the event’s organisers faced a quiet dilemma. Mayor Fay Howard, who had arranged the St George’s Day parade, noted the absence of the Cross of St George flag—a decision rooted in her desire to represent all of Swindon’s residents without alienating any group.

A Nation in Question

The mayor’s cautious approach highlights a broader tension in English identity. While the day celebrated English heritage, the absence of the traditional flag underscored the growing divide over who qualifies as English. For Howard, the challenge was balancing pride with inclusivity, a sentiment echoed by many who fear that national symbols might exclude or marginalise newcomers. This concern is not new, but it has intensified since early 2024, when right-wing voices began framing Englishness as an exclusive, ancestral concept.

“I’ve been careful about using the flag this year because it is an election time and because I represent everybody in Swindon and I want to be fair to everybody in Swindon,” Howard explained.

These debates often hinge on the idea that English identity is tied to heritage rather than birthplace or cultural assimilation. This perspective gained traction after a controversial remark by Russian-born podcaster Konstantin Kisin, who suggested that Rishi Sunak—born in England—might not be considered fully English due to his “brown Hindu” background. The comment sparked a wave of discussion, with political figures like Suella Braverman further fueling the discourse. Braverman, who was raised in England with Indian heritage, described herself as “British Asian” but not English, raising questions about how long one must reside in the UK to claim an English identity.

Identity and Ancestry

Braverman’s argument, published in the Daily Telegraph, posited that Englishness is a product of generations. She questioned whether five or six generations of migration could fully integrate a person into the English identity, implying that only those with deep-rooted ancestral ties might be seen as authentic. This view contrasts sharply with the perspectives of many who argue that identity is shaped by lived experience rather than lineage. Sunder Katwala, founder of the British Future think tank, acknowledged Braverman’s stance but challenged the idea that a specific number of generations is necessary.

“I think maybe the Huguenots didn’t think they were English, but their grandchildren certainly did,” Katwala remarked.

Katwala’s critique draws on history, pointing to the 17th-century migration of French Protestants to England. These refugees, fleeing persecution in their homeland, eventually became integral to English society, illustrating how identity can evolve over time. Katwala’s point suggests that Englishness is not a rigid construct but a dynamic one, shaped by shared culture, language, and community. Yet, the debate persists, with some insisting that roots in England are essential to claiming English heritage.

A Public Divide

The controversy reached new heights when the Raising the Colours campaign brought English and Union flags to motorway bridges in 2024. While the initiative aimed to celebrate English pride, it drew criticism from those who saw the flags as divisive. The debate is now more polarised than ever, with some arguing that English identity is tied to birthplace and ancestry, while others insist it can be claimed by anyone who identifies with the nation’s values.

A recent poll by More in Common in March 2025 revealed that 74% of English people believe someone can be English regardless of their ethnic background or skin colour. This statistic challenges the notion that identity is solely based on heritage, offering a counterpoint to Braverman’s claims. Yet, the same poll also highlighted a lingering sense of exclusion, with many English citizens expressing reservations about the idea of “Englishness” being diluted by diversity.

Historical Resonance

Historical landmarks like Hadleigh Castle in Essex serve as a backdrop for these discussions. Built in 1215, the same year as the signing of Magna Carta, the castle symbolises the roots of English governance and liberty. Today, it stands in the Castle Point area, which recorded the highest percentage of residents identifying as English in the latest census. This data underscores the enduring appeal of English identity, even as debates over its definition continue to evolve.

Despite the controversy, many residents like Harriet, a local mother enjoying a coffee with her daughter Hermione, remain steadfast in their belief. “I am English,” Harriet asserted, her voice firm. “And I don’t like to be made to feel guilty about that.” Her words reflect a broader sentiment: that Englishness is not just a label but a personal and collective pride. Yet, the tension between tradition and modernity remains palpable, with some fearing that embracing diversity could erode the core of English identity.

The Future of Englishness

As the May elections approach, the debate over English identity is poised to shape political discourse. The mayor of Swindon, reflecting on her decisions, highlighted the delicate balance required to foster unity without excluding any group. Her approach mirrors the broader challenge faced by leaders and citizens alike: how to celebrate a shared heritage while acknowledging the complexities of modern multiculturalism.

For now, the English nation remains a site of lively discussion. Whether it is through a plastic dragon on a sunlit street or a historical debate over generations, the question of what it means to be English continues to evolve. As Sunder Katwala noted, the definition of Englishness is not a fixed point but a moving target, influenced by the people who live within its borders. The answer, perhaps, lies not in rigid criteria, but in the willingness to embrace both the old and the new in the fabric of the nation’s identity.