David Blunkett has called for the left to reclaim the "flag of St George" from the extremes of nationalism.

In a speech to the Institute of Public Policy Research on Monday the former home secretary said England and English identity should be celebrated as a means of heading off racism.

The Sheffield Brightside MP said St George's day should be marked with as much prominence and pride as Irish, Scottish and Welsh national days, with democratic, artistic and geographic traditions to the fore.

"Nobody argues against celebrating St Patrick, St Andrew or St David - for many it is a chance to share in each other's traditions. Let us hope that a similar spirit can be found on St George's day," Blunkett said.

"We need to feel more secure in our identities if we are to face the world with confidence. But national identity is hard for politicians to talk about. When they do, they are generally accused, from the left of chauvinism and, from the right, of lack of patriotism.

"Nevertheless, it is extremely important that politicians, and especially progressive, social democratic politicians, do talk about national identity. There is a real danger that if we simply neglect or talk down national identity - people's sense of common belonging and shared values - we risk creating a festering, resentful national identity, an identity based not on confidence but on grievance.

"Too often in the past, we on the British left have failed to offer a civic, open view of our national identity. We have let those on the right claim the patriotic mantle all for themselves."

Shared identity

Blunkett, a close ally of Tony Blair who has been given a key campaigning role in the general election, argued that Englishness can be shared with Britishness, pro-Europeanism and a sense of regional pride.

"One reaction to the confusion over Englishness has been the promotion of an exclusive Englishness and an appeal to the particular. Predominantly championed by the right, this is characterised by its opposition to Europe, to immigration and asylum and a general insularity and defensiveness," he said.

"This has given English identity a slightly menacing face, and consequently has discouraged the celebration of Englishness. The English feel as though they can't talk about their identity for fear of association with the far right.

"At times it seems as though the flag of St George and the language of identity have been hijacked by these minorities. But this exclusive account of Englishness can be credibly and demonstrably rejected. It is based on myth and misrepresentation.

"We need to articulate a progressive account of Englishness, to champion Englishness, expressed through our history, culture, and civic values. It demands that we tell a more honest account of the distinctive English tradition and English history.

"The challenge is to recast Englishness and English identity, exploring its place within the Union and its relationship with Europe and the wider world. In doing so we will enrich our understanding and sense of identity, and will be equipped to deal with the challenges we face."