MR GODFREY-Brown (Letters, January 4) was right when he wrote that countries like Ireland, France and Scotland do not have problems distinguishing between being patriotic (love of one's country) and being racist (hatred of other countries or ideas).
These countries understand their own identities and are not ashamed to be proud of them. They also all have their own parliaments, and the time has come for an English parliament.
Having a British parliament now is a waste of time and money, because all the benefits, like free trade, freedom of movement, single currency are now covered by our bigger European Union. Sweden and Finland do not bother with a Scandinavian parliament.
As well as England losing its identity it does very badly in the British Union. Since the mid-70s under the Barnett formula Scottish citizens received 23 per cent higher treasury grants than English citizens.
Scotland has 72 MPs instead of the 58 MPs they should for their population. These MPs, along with Welsh and Irish, vote on English matters, but English MPs cannot vote on their parliaments. This is not democratic.
We should also make St George's Day a bank holiday.
Chairman for the Campaign for an English Parliament is Don Brown, Stable Cottage, Station Road, Ollerton, Newark, NG22 9BW.
Bryan Gillard
19 Crockern Tor Road, Okehampton