ST ALBAN

Early day motion 1176, tabled 12 May 2003 by Kerry Pollard (Labour). Signed by 10 members.

That this House notes the recent Radio 4 poll on who might best represent England as patron saint of the 21st century; welcomes the result which placed St Alban first, with St George in third place; further notes that St George may not have existed, certainly never fought a dragon, did not originate in England and presents a militaristic image inappropriate for our times; recognises that St Alban was the first English martyr, buried on English soil, with documented evidence that he did exist; notes that his action in sacrificing his own life to help another escape from persecution sets an example to us all; and calls on the Government to recognise St Albans Day, 22nd June, as a national public holiday, and to support the programme of events arranged in St Albans for the weekend of 22nd June to mark the date of Alban's martyrdom.

Signatures by party: Labour 6, Labour/Co-operative 2, Conservative 1, Liberal Democrat 1.