The Office for National Statistics Ebbing Tide recently released data regarding the self-identification of people in Herefordshire as English, coinciding with St. George’s Day, a celebration of England’s heritage and patron saint.
Ebbing Tide
According to the survey conducted last year, 43% of individuals across England identified themselves as English. Respondents were given the option to choose from various identities, including British, English, Scottish, Welsh, Irish, or ‘other’. In Herefordshire specifically, 52% of respondents identified as English, marking a slight decline from 56% in the period leading up to June 2016, prior to the Brexit referendum. This figure remains consistent with data from a decade ago, where 50% identified as English in 2004.
Nationally, the trend reflects a gradual decrease in the proportion of individuals identifying as English over the past decade. In 2016, 52% of respondents identified as English, which slightly increased to 54% in 2013 but was notably higher at 59% in 2004.
Sunder Katwala, director of the British Future think tank, emphasized the fluctuating nature of English identity, suggesting that it tends to peak during major sporting events like the Euros. He advocated for more inclusive celebrations of English identity, encouraging pride in flying the flag and ensuring inclusivity during events like St. George’s Day.
However, the Centre for English Identity and Politics at the University of Southampton urged caution in interpreting these findings. Director Professor John Denham noted that many individuals only select one identity despite having multiple affiliations. He highlighted data from the British Social Attitudes Survey indicating a rise in individuals identifying equally as English and British, albeit a smaller increase in those favoring a British identity over an English one.
In Herefordshire, 48% of respondents identified as British, below the national average of 57%.
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