"The English have never ceased to find themselves, and the complexities of their island inheritance, fascinating. Some years ago, the Times sponsored a campaign for a British motto to rival France's Liberté, égalité, fraternité. All hell broke loose. Readers' suggestions included "Dipso, fatso, bingo, asbo, Tesco", closely followed by "No motto please, we're British". With this subject, a raised eyebrow can be as meaningful as a national mission statement."

Sorry! The English and their Manners by Henry Hitchings, review (Telegraph)