England vs Malta? – Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando

Anyone who knows me well enough would feel the need to check on my state of mental health if I were to be overly critical of England. English literature was my favourite subject at school.

I am thoroughly annoyed whenever the pseudo-patriots among us try to depict our English-speaking minority as a bunch of pretentious snobs.

English is one of our two official languages, guys.

As an MP, I once delivered a lengthy speech in parliament in English to drive this point home. I’m looking forward to my traditional ‘birthday trip’ to England, after a two-year hiatus. England has always been my family’s preferred holiday destination.

And, yes, I’m very fond of the queen. I had the privilege of meeting up with her and Prince Philip once and she comes across as being the lovable grandmotherly type, warm hearted and rather jovial. I am even one of the long-suffering cohort of Maltese football enthusiasts who sides with the English national team!

Don’t get me wrong. I am fiercely proud of Malta, with its unique language, culture and history. I tried to do my bit for the country whenever the occasion presented itself over the years. Loving another country and its culture does not make you a...