Best of Britain
We have today revealed images of four Special Stamps to be issued in celebration of the United Kingdom’s greatest strengths and accomplishments.
The stamps explore just some of the ways in which Britain leads the way. From sporting achievement to technological innovation, and from creative excellence to our strong sense of community spirit - the UK excels in a host of different ways.
The four stamps are printed within a miniature sheet in a colourful interpretation of the Union Flag.
Sport:
Britain is a proud and passionate sporting nation. It is the birthplace of football and cricket, and, in 1948, hosted the first organised competition for disabled athletes. The UK has also produced 10 Formula 1 champions – more than any other country.
Industry and innovation:
Elsewhere, in the fields of science and technology, Britain stands tall. For example, DNA fingerprinting was perfected in the UK and Britain played a central role in the sequencing of the first draft of the human genome. The UK is a leading light in the digital technology sector, which contributes around £149 billion per year to the economy. The country is also a world leading centre for financial services.
Creative industries:
In the creative industries too, the UK is a world leader. Britain is renowned for the originality and quality of its contemporary music, with the music industry worth around £5.2 billion annually. The UK has also become one of the world’s leading centres for film and TV production. In the sphere of architecture, cities around the world are being reshaped by British architects. And in the field of literature, British writers are world-renowned.
Community spirit:
Equally as significant is the UK’s long-held sense of community spirit. British people have often come together in celebration, in remembrance and also in hope during times of uncertainty. Indeed, street parties, parades and celebrations for royal anniversaries, major sporting occasions and other national and local events have characterised the British way of life for centuries.
‘These colourful stamps are a celebration of these islands and the people who call them home.’
The stamps will be on sale from 26 January. The full set of four stamps, available in a Presentation Pack, retails at £6.00 and will be available at www.royalmail.com/ukacelebration, by phone on 03457 641 641 and in 7,000 Post Offices across the UK.
