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The Daily Wail did ... but seeing as you quoted it without criticism I assume you're not challenging its accuracy on this occasion:
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Ah, but I was being horrible to you all. While it's perfectly true that Boris is spinning himself to the Mail as the saviour of all that's English, all the other examples I gave were from Ken Livingstone's Mayoralty. Boris is trying to airbrush them from history and I'd like to know why.
Actually, there have been GLA-funded St. George's Day events in London in 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, which was the foodie one. This year's announced celebrations so far are a concert in Trafalgar Square and the traditional open day at the Globe to celebrate Shakespeare's birth. In other words, nothing's changed, Boris is actually continuing what Ken started (there was never an offical SGD before, apparently), so if you were cheered by this, you're a communist newt fancier, arentcha? What's actually likely to happen is that Boris will seek to reduce the cost of the events, either by trimming them back or seeking extra sponsorship, and good luck with that one. He's done that with other festivals already.
It's interesting that ginge51, bopdude and dd11 appear to have swallowed this completely. Guys - nasty people are *lying* to you about mysterious PC brigades and things. That now includes Boris Johnson, to his shame. Grow some critical faculties and check things out - Google is your friend here.
If you look at the GLA website you'll see this for 2008:
http://www.london.gov.uk/mayor/culture/stgeorge.jsp
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For the 5th year running London celebrated St George’s Day with a series of free events. For 2008 English Food was the central theme for the Trafalgar Square event, where the world famous Borough Market relocated for the day. In addition, the popular annual Shakespeare’s Birthday celebrations at the Globe took place as well as the Festival of St George at Covent Garden and parade at the Cenotaph.
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and this for 2009:
http://www.london.gov.uk/gla/events/
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Following on from the success of the St George's Day celebrations in 2008, the Mayor of London presents 2 FREE events in central London to celebrate St George’s Day 2009 and Shakespeare’s birthday.
Both events are suitable for all ages including families with children. Full details available soon.
Shakespeare's Birthday Party
Date: Sunday 19 April 12.00 - 5.00pm (last entry 4.30pm)
Location: Shakespeare’s Globe, Bankside
Summary: A day of events and activities celebrating Shakespeare’s sonnets.
Concert on the Square
Date: Saturday 25 April 12.30 - 6.00pm
Location: Trafalgar Square
Summary: Contemporary music – English roots
Artists include: Seth Lakeman, Eliza Carthy, Jim Moray, Bishi, Kathryn Tickell and special guests.
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Bishi, if you're interested, is here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bishnu_Priya
Sounds good. The BNP ought to hate it.