Most folk would excuse themselves from the equation but if you think having pride in your country is just about your achievements - and you've contributed nothing to the greater good & indeed gained nothing from others - that's pretty sad.Why should I be proud of something I did not earn or achieve? It's like being proud of winning the lottery.
If I had come here from some random country and earned the right of citizenship through hard work and good conduct, I might well be proud of that.
If we were somehow to end poverty, have the best education system in Europe, and provide housing for all who need it, I might start to feel proud of the country's achievements. With regard to history, I am neither proud nor ashamed of it. I had no agency before I was born. I did not storm the beaches on D-Day, nor did I go to Africa and enslave people.
From that I'd say the NHS, the armed forces, our culture and arts (particularly our literary output over the centuries), and there are still many British businesses that pack a punch. I don't think we have a complete democracy so I would never answer that.New Survey currently being 'discussed' on Sky News - here's an older one
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It is a beautiful country, no doubt. The sad thing is many don't realise just how scenic the British Isles are.I'm proud of the natural wonder of Britain from the mountains to the coast and everything in-between.
I'm also proud of engineering feats like the Forth, Tay, Royal Albert and Britannia bridges, the Severn Tunnel and London Underground.
I'm even proud of the modern engineering projects like the Severn and Humber bridges, The Shard and the Channel Tunnel.
I've no interest in the royal family and all the military pageants around them. I'm also not keen on the way society is going, with everyone just looking out for themselves.
However, I think it's great that you can still go to a pub, a gig or the football and strike up a conversation with a complete stranger and find a bit of common ground.
From that I'd say the NHS, the armed forces, our culture and arts (particularly our literary output over the centuries), and there are still many British businesses that pack a punch. I don't think we have a complete democracy so I would never answer that.
Nonetheless, I agree with others that being proud of where you're from is somewhat strange and cocksure. It's something you have no control over. Any achievements an individual may make in life, or any their children make make; well that's something you can certainly be proud of.