ST George's Day, on Monday, April 23, gave us an opportunity to reflect on England and its future.

The real St George was not a dragon-slayer, but was martyred by the Romans for refusing to worship their Emperor.

Today's version is an Englishman, who finds himself in court for not selling bananas by the kilo. The judge said that European law had replaced English.

The Scots and Welsh can identify themselves as such on their Government census forms, a courtesy not extended to the English. And the EU's map does not mention "England" but instead lists nine "Regions" that Brussels wants to establish.

The Government has said it will push ahead with regional parliaments where there is demand. But the only "demand" comes from Europe, which is hardly surprising when their role will be to promote EU programmes.

These paper-pushing palaces will be part-appointed, part-elected. They will be a drain on the taxpayer, just as the GLA prototype, wanted by less than a quarter of Londoners, is starting to be.

"Modernising" government is basically just another word for continentalisation. Such is the Government's zeal that it will shortly try to sell it to us in a series of roadshows, grandiosely known as Constitutional Conventions.

Sadly, the Church of England bishops who will chair them will be aiding the demise of their country, and by definition, their church. For more information write to me, with SAE.

JENNY SLEEP (MRS),

New Alliance,

PO Box 13199,

London SW6 6ZU