Despite the pyrotechnic glories of London’s New Year fireworks, 2026 started off with a whimper rather than a bang. The display, organised by Sadiq Khan and the Greater London Authority, was painfully predictable, trotting out the usual tired clichés about England as a global melting pot and diversity as the jewel in the nation’s crown.

The fireworks engaged head-on with the Year of the Flag, responding to ongoing debates about national identity

The fireworks engaged head-on with the Year of the Flag, responding to ongoing debates about national identity. A chummy voiceover explored ‘what England means’, while the display showed national flags from around the globe coming together to form a Union Jack. England was defined by weather, tea, football, Caribbean barbers, multi-faith communities, and inclusion:

Here’s what England means to me – the real England.

When it’s sunny, it’s too hot. When it’s cold, the weather’s rubbish.

England, to me, is a cup of tea. How many sugars? I’m sweet enough.

England, to me, is Caribbean barbers with the sharpest trim. It’s Christian neighbours saying Happy Hanukkah, mate, and Muslim mums saying Merry Christmas, love.

And you think you’re seeing flags now? Wait until the World Cup’s on. Then you’ll know about flags, my son.

Because this is what England means to me. It’s about loving each........

© The Spectator