Jubilee is welcome reminder we are still a great nation

THE sense of excitement is mounting. As the Platinum Jubilee comes near, a mood of joyous patriotism is sweeping our land.

- Leo McKinstry

The unique nature of this milestone means the celebrations to mark the Queen's 70 years on the throne will create a magnificent spirit of unity throughout Britain.

Over four memorable days, there will be an estimated 60,000 community lunches and 16,000 neighbourhood parties. St Paul's Cathedral will host a thanksgiving service, Buckingham Palace a spectacular concert. Streets will be bedecked with bunting. Fiery beacons will light up the night sky.

After the recent agonies of Covid and the present crisis over living standards, the Jubilee will be a powerful shot in the arm for Britain, a reminder that we are still a great nation with an unrivalled heritage and a special identity.

As the colourful main events in London will demonstrate, ours is a creative and dynamic country whose global contributions include military splendour, Sir Elton John, James Bond and the Red Arrows.

It is also appropriate that, in advance of this moment of national pride, the Government should have announced the return of the traditional Crown symbol on that very British institution: the pint glass. This is part of a review that could see the return of imperial measures, now that Britain has left the EU.