Celebrities Celebrities from the arts, sport and politics talk about what being British means to them.
Jessie J Britain knows that we can't duplicate or recycle old art, music, culture, food, everything has to be brand new. Jessie J Musician Britain knows that we can't duplicate or recycle old art, music, culture, food, everything has to be brand new.
Richard Reed We’re not a country ruled by fear and repression, we’re a country ruled by friendly people sharing cups of tea. Richard Reed Co-Founder, Innocent We’re not a country ruled by fear and repression, we’re a country ruled by friendly people sharing cups of tea.
Colin Jackson We love a bit of a committee - getting together before we make a big decision. Colin Jackson Olympic Medallist and Broadcaster We love a bit of a committee - getting together before we make a big decision.
Russell Brand The greatest achievement of Britain is the maintenance of our sense of humour after we've lost our empire. Russell Brand Comedian The greatest achievement of Britain is the maintenance of our sense of humour after we've lost our empire.
Benedict Allen Is it my Britishness that has kept me going? Benedict Allen Explorer Is it my Britishness that has kept me going?
Dame Helen Mirren In the middle of the field was this old oak tree and it just epitomised Britain to me. Dame Helen Mirren Actor In the middle of the field was this old oak tree and it just epitomised Britain to me.
Dougray Scott Do I see myself as a Scot? Or a Celt, or a Brit? Dougray Scott Actor Do I see myself as a Scot? Or a Celt, or a Brit?
Caitlin Moran There’s still that kind of sense of this just being a very tiny parish village rather than some kind of international super power. Caitlin Moran Columnist and Author There’s still that kind of sense of this just being a very tiny parish village rather than some kind of international super power.
Tracey Emin I think Britain has a really fantastic, strong identity all around the world as being multicultural. Tracey Emin Artist I think Britain has a really fantastic, strong identity all around the world as being multicultural.
Gareth Thomas I realised how tolerant a nation we are. Gareth Thomas Former Wales International Rugby Player I realised how tolerant a nation we are.
Lily Cole There's a kind of really dramatic, colourful history. Lily Cole Actor There's a kind of really dramatic, colourful history.
Michael Portillo We have been fearsome warriors. Michael Portillo Broadcaster We have been fearsome warriors.
Micky Flanagan We root for the underdog and despise bullies. Micky Flanagan Comedian We root for the underdog and despise bullies.
Jeremy Irons The landscape of the British Isles is really like nowhere else. Jeremy Irons Actor The landscape of the British Isles is really like nowhere else.
Diarmuid Gavin The essence of the landscape is what I think most British people hold in their hearts. Diarmuid Gavin Garden Designer The essence of the landscape is what I think most British people hold in their hearts.
Frank Lampard Royal Britannia rules the waves. Frank Lampard Footballer Royal Britannia rules the waves.
Meera Syal This is an island race that absorbs and welcomes other cultures. Meera Syal Actor and Writer This is an island race that absorbs and welcomes other cultures.
Anthony Horowitz Britain still punches above its weight. Anthony Horowitz Writer Britain still punches above its weight.