[Scarlett.]

The English have more pride in the Union Flag than the Cross of St George, a new report has revealed.

A poll by the British Future think tank shows only 61 per cent of English feel pride and patriotism towards their national flag, while 80 per cent have such feelings towards the British one.

It is in stark contrast to the Scottish, 84 per cent of whom feel pride in the St Andrew's Cross, and the 86 per cent of Welsh who are passionate about the Red Dragon.

But just over half of Scots and only 68 per cent of Welsh have the same pride in the Union Jack - according to the think tank's report, This Sceptered Isle, due to be published tomorrow on St George's Day.

It claims nearly a quarter of English people consider their national flag to be racist - compared to 10 per cent of Scots and 7 per cent of Welsh holding the same sentiments towards their own flags.

British Future - which claims 'ignoring England' poses the greatest threat to the Union - blames 'extreme street hooligans' of the English Defence League (EDL) for 'toxifying' the flag.

It also accuses politicians for failing to 'speak up for the inclusive patriotism of the English majority' and calls for an English national anthem, such as Land Of Hope And Glory, I Vow To Thee My Country or Jerusalem.

British Future director, Sunder Katwala, told The Sunday Telegraph: 'We've done nothing in the era of devolution to give a voice to England as well as Scotland and Wales, which has left English identity too open to an extremist fringe.

"The EDL with their street yobbery are not the only ones to blame for the unusual anxiety that too many people in England feel about their own flag of St George.

'They share the blame with the politicians who haven't spoken up for a modern patriotism, as well as our British identity.

'While the devolution debates in Scotland and Wales appear to have modernised the Scots and Welsh associations with their flags, attitudes to the English flag are lagging behind.'

Daily Mail

I have to admit, I do see the St. George's flag as more of a racist symbol (unless its being flown during a big England footie/rugby match)

[Ammi]

'While the devolution debates in Scotland and Wales appear to have modernised the Scots and Welsh associations with their fags, attitudes to the English flag are lagging behind.'

..that's a bit of a typo

[Ammi]

..I agree about the national Anthem..it would be good if the Queen made a big change for her jubilee...Jerusalem would be good

[Scarlett.]

Haha well spotted xD I'll fix it, silly Daily Mail lol

[arista]

Its not a problem

We are better than France
thats all that matters

[Brother Leon]

I probably feel the same.

We need to make a Black and Silver U.K flag though like they had for the American one under Bush.

[InOne]

Seems like the usual Daily Mail tosh to me.

[Scarlett.]

Usually I'd agree, but they have a point, a lot of people arent as comfortable flying the St. George's cross as they are flying the Union Jack

[InOne]

Who are these people?

[Kizzy]

It is sad that anyone would see their national flag as a racist symbol, it is time to claim it back from the bigots.

[MTVN]

St George's Cross >

I don't see why people should think it's racist because of the EDL, the Union Jack is used just as much by far right groups like the BNP and National Front