The Archbishop of York has floated the idea that St George’s Day should become a national holiday, echoing calls made by amongst others the religious think-tank Ekklesia.

The uncomfortable fact is that the church's Christendom ('Christian country') assumptions put it into the position of arguing the same political point about national identity as the BNP. A different way forward is needed.

Jonathan Bartley reflects on the legend of St George, his subversive story, and how he has been co-opted by the powerful