St George's Day

12.11.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 23rd Apr 2009

Exeter Lib Dem parliamentary hopeful Graham Oakes is supporting the campaign to have St George's Day as an English public holiday.

"We have the least public holidays of almost every European country and England is almost unique in not having either a holiday on its national or patron saint's day."

"I support the campaign because I believe it is important for people to celebrate their identity, to be proud of what the English achieve and to take back of flag from the extremists who have chosen to wrap themselves in it."

"Another public holiday would also boost the South West tourist industry which is vital for our region."