"This is a Christian Country and always has been" - Alex Phillips TalkTV
I'd never heard of Alex Phillips and only vaguely heard of TalkTV. I don't watch much TV, and certainly not News or Politics programs. I prefer to read my news and politics, and from different sources. Anyway I came across this impassioned rant on YouTube, although its a bit out of date, in which she was blowing a fuse over a signboard at Kings Cross which was recognising the Muslim season of Ramadan - you can watch for yourself in the link below. Here is a transcript of part of the rant.
But this is a Christian country. It's been a Christian country for 2000 years and we're staying a Christian country. Put that in your pipe and smoke it. That's our heritage, that's our legacy. That's what underpins our culture. And I'm fed up of that being constantly kicked around, diluted and eroded when it's given so much, so much to the Western world and told, oh, no, sorry, you play second fiddle. See YouTube (11 months old)
Christian Country?
Alex Phillips is Wrong in what she said and the way she said it
Dog-whistle language - certainly not Christian
"It disgusts me" - "bullying and having Islam forced down my throat"
"sorry you play second fiddle"
No one is forcing Islam down her throat and she's not being bullied. This is just dog-whistle language to rouse the anger of her listeners. Is she objecting to Muslims being in the UK or that they practice their own religion? Apparently not; she says we're a liberal society - you believe what you like. Her problem seems to be, she doesn't want to see too much evidence of Islam because she sees it as a sign the UK is being taken over and we may cease to be a "Christian" country.
No Christian would rant in this way so I assume she is not a believer, why then is she so keen to defend Christianity?
Christian Country - what's that?
Strictly speaking only individuals can be Christians since it is a matter of personal belief, not group allegiance. After all, Jesus said we should "turn the other cheek" when attacked; "love our neighbour as ourselves" and so on. No country could possibly base its policies on statements like these. So in this sense countries are not Christian. But when Alex Phillips uses the term "Christian Country" she means the major religion of the country. Even if she is not a Christian herself she does not want to see Christianity replaced by another religion.
"It's been a Christian country for 2000 years and we're staying a Christian country",
Alex says, but not quite correct.
Christianity in the UK - a very short overview of a very troubled history
The nearest the country came to being a "Christian Country" was between 1649 and 1660 when Oliver Cromwell and the Puritans were in charge - entertainment, theatres, Christmas, celebrations and sports were all banned. Yet, despite his fervant Christianity, Cromwell committed great atrocities against the people of Ireland.
Up to the end of the Victorian era the majority of the people believed in God, but according to the 1851 Religious Census, only 40% of the population were estimated to attended church. The 20th Century with two world wars, the rise of science and increasing secularisation saw a decline in christian belief.
We are no Longer a Christian Country
Today only about 5% of the population attend church services, half what it was in 1980. 2000 churches have been closed in the last ten years. Nevertheless 46.7 % of the population identified themsleves as Christian in the 2021 census. But for the first time this figure dropped below 50%. Alex please note: Islam has along way to go before becoming the majority faith
| 2021 Census Data | Percentage |
| Christianity: | 46.20% |
| No religion: | 37.20% |
| Islam: | 6.50% |
| Hinduism: | 1.70% |
| Sikhism: | 0.90% |
| Buddhism: | 0.50% |
| Judaism: | 0.50% |
| Other religions: | 0.60% |
There is much less decline in mainland Europe. As of 2021, Christianity is the largest religion in the European Union, accounting for approximately 72.8% of the population. This includes various denominations such as Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Protestantism. (See details below)
However, the UK is unique in having a monarch who is Head of the Church of England and in having 26 Bishops in the House of Lords. But for how much longer?
If less than half the population identify as Christian, claiming we are a "Christian Country" does not make sense. If Alex Phillips is worried that Christianity is losing in the religioous race, she'd better set an example and start going to church.
Is British Culture Under Threat?
We may be slowly losing our Christian identity but are we in danger of losing British culture. Alex Phillips seems to think it's threatened. Here's a list of headings for British Culture:
- History & Heritage - long history from pre-Roman times which has left a legaacy of historical sites, country houses & estates, cathedrals, industrial museums etc
- Language & Literature - English is the main language of the world and we have produced world renowned authors, playwrights and poets - Shakespeare is revered the world over.
- Traditions, Customs, Humour, Character - too many to list, but we have a unique sense of humour as a nation, and our national character is to be polite but to stand firm when pushed too far.
- Food & Drink - traditional foods but we have adopted cuisine from around the world
- Music & Entertainment - festivals, bands, theatre, film and TV are up there with the best in the world.
- Sport - football , rugby, cricket, tennis – all founded in GB. We are a sporting nation, usually rooting for the underdog.
- Multicultural Influence - through early invasions from Scandanavia and Europe, our maritime trade and through the British Empire our society has always had a mix of cultures.
- Politics & Society – we helped shaped modern democracy, we respect the rule of law, honesty, integrity and fair play
See below for an expanded list.
Thinking through all these aspects of our culture I don't see any of these as being under threat.
Change is the Real Issue
I think the real issue for Alex Phillips, and for most of us, is change.
Before the industrial revolution change in society was slow, the life of a grandchild was very similar to the life of their grandfather. But then things began to speed up, railways, steam ships, motor vehicles, aircraft, telegraph, telephone, radio, TV, computing, until today we can hardly keep up with the pace of change. The world of my childhood seems centuries away from the world my granchildren are growing into. We think back to "the good old days" with a nostalgic longing for the past but we cannot stop the clocks or make time go backwards. We have to find ways to manage change that keeps communities and nations stable. The past tells us this is not possible, yet we must try.
Perhaps we should listen to Alex Phillips and embrace Christianity again.
So let's finish with a prayer.
Both the following lists are AI generated and slightly edited
Christianity in Europe
As of recent surveys (such as those by Pew Research Center and Eurobarometer), approximately 70-75% of Europeans (excluding the UK) identify as Christian. However, the level of religious practice varies widely across different countries.
Breakdown by Region:
- Western Europe: Countries like France, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands have a Christian-identifying population of around 60-70%, but many are secular or non-practicing.
- Southern Europe: Countries like Italy, Portugal, and Greece have a higher percentage of 80-90% identifying as Christian, with Catholicism and Orthodox Christianity being dominant.
- Eastern Europe: Countries such as Poland, Romania, and Ukraine generally have a high Christian population (80-90%), with strong religious traditions.
- Scandinavia: Countries like Sweden, Denmark, and Norway still have 60-70% identifying as Christian, but regular church attendance is low.
British Culture
1. History & Heritage
Britain has a rich history, from ancient Celtic and Roman times, through the medieval period, the British Empire, and gradual founding of modern democracy.The monarchy, with figures like Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III, plays a symbolic role in British identity.
Historical landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Stonehenge, the Tower of London, the Roman baths, Big Ben, and Windsor Castle are key parts of British heritage.
2. Language & Literature
English, the primary language, originated in Britain and is one of the lingua franca of the world
British literature is world-famous, with authors like William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, J.R.R. Tolkien, and many, many more.
3. Traditions & Customs Humour Character
Pubs – The local pub (public house) is a social hub where people gather to chat, eat, and drink.
Queuing – British people are known for their orderly queues.
Sarcasm & understatement – British people often communicate with subtle humor and indirect language.
Festivals and Holidays: Events like Guy Fawkes Night, Trooping the Colour, and the Notting Hill Carnival celebrate various aspects of British culture.
Politeness and Manners: British people are known for their politeness and the importance they place on manners and etiquette.
A “stiff upper lip” (remaining calm in tough situations) is a stereotype of British resilience.
4. Food & Drink
Traditional British foods include fish and chips, roast dinners, full English breakfast, and shepherd’s pie.
Sunday roast (roast meat with vegetables and Yorkshire pudding) is a classic family meal.
British desserts include scones, sticky toffee pudding, and trifle.
Diverse Food Scene: British cuisine has been influenced by various cultures, resulting in a vibrant and diverse food landscape.
5. Music & Entertainment
Britain has produced some of the world’s most influential musicians, such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Queen, Adele, and Ed Sheeran.
The UK has a strong film and television industry, with globally popular shows like Doctor Who, Sherlock, Downton Abbey, and The Crown.
The West End (London’s theatre district) is famous for world-class plays and musicals.
Film and Television: British cinema and TV have a global audience, with shows like "Doctor Who" and "Sherlock" gaining international fame.
6. Sports
Britain is the birthplace of many sports, including football (soccer), rugby, cricket, and tennis.
Wimbledon, the oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament, is held in London.
The Premier League is one of the world’s most-watched football leagues.
7. Multicultural Influence
Modern British culture is shaped by diverse communities from former British colonies and beyond, including influences from India, the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia.
This is reflected in food (like curry being a national favourite), music, fashion, and everyday life.
8. Politics & Society
The UK has a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy.
British values often emphasize fairness, tolerance, free speech, and a strong sense of humour.
The NHS (National Health Service) is a source of national pride, providing free healthcare to UK residents.
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