Tony Blair has spelled out his vision of the British identity in a keynote speech. CHRIS MANN and REBECCA GILBERT found out what people in York thought

Fair play, tolerance and an outward-looking approach to the world have been identified by Prime Minister Tony Blair as some of the strengths of the British people.

In his speech to regional newspaper executives at the annual Newspaper Conference in London, he slammed critics of devolution and the reforms to the House of Lords and said those who are anti-Europe cannot be pro-Britain.

There was a mixed reaction to his sentiments from people in York today.

Dominic Lewen, from Thirsk, said: "I agree with Tony Blair's definition of 'Britishness' as tolerance, fair play and patience and feel they are traditional values.

"But I think it is possible to be pro-Europe while still being patriotic.

"Blair seems to be moving towards centrally-controlled devolution on one hand, and a unified Europe on the other."

Douglas Stokes, from York, said: "I lack confidence in the government.

"Tony Blair is too eager to give a low priority to English citizens."

Karisma Egan, a bar worker, said: "I'm proud of my heritage and the Royal Family as a symbol of national identity and I think we should keep out of the European Union."

Claire Ingledew, from near Ripon, said: "I don't think we're terribly outward looking.

"We go places but an awful lot of us just want fish and chips or to go to the nearest English bar when we get there.

"On the whole British people are pretty anti-Europe. I think we're still fairly insular but we attempt to be tolerant and we value fair play and all those traditional virtues.

"But I think Tony Blair is trying to resurrect something that perhaps isn't an entity any more."

Meanwhile Eric Atkinson, 67, of Rowntree Avenue, York, said: "I think Mr Blair's drifting away from Labour policies slightly.

"I agree with the European policy that we can't stay out but I don't agree with devolution.

"I think Britain is still a pretty well respected nation, but not as much as it was."

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