On this day of celebration, both of the rich culture and heritage that can be found on the Emerald Isle as well as the arrival of Christianity in Ireland, Romford’s M.P. Andrew Rosindell has wished everyone a Happy Saint Patrick’s Day, as celebrations take place across the United Kingdom.

The works and teachings of Saint Patrick stem back to the 5th century, where a detailed description of his Christian missionary and life as Bishop are detailed in his opus the Confession of Saint Patrick.

According to tradition, Saint Patrick was taken to Gaelic Ireland as a slave by Irish Raiders when he was just sixteen years old. During six years of hardship working as a shepherd, Saint Patrick found solace with God, who told him to flee the coast, where a ship would be waiting to take him home.

In the ensuing years, Patrick, now a priest, went on to evangelise thousands, converting many communities in Ireland from Paganism to Christianity.

The day, which has long-established significance among the global Christian diaspora, is welcomed by Andrew Rosindell M.P., who has also celebrated the tradition throughout his entire life.

The United Kingdom has an expansive and vivid list of traditions which are entrenched in the past legacy of the British Isles. The island of Ireland holds a premier place in the hearts of many in Britain and its history is tightly woven with the English, Scots, and Welsh.

The prominence of Saint Patrick’s Day in celebration across the globe is testament to the legacy made by Irish emigrants who, along with their brothers and sisters across the British Isles, created homes away from home.

We must preserve our culture, heritage, and traditions, which are enhanced and entrenched through the political body and national family that is our United Kingdom - the thistle, shamrock, rose entwine.