English language in England
There are many different accents and dialects throughout England and people are often very proud of their local accent or dialect. However, accents and dialects also highlight social class differences, rivalries or other associated prejudices—as illustrated by George Bernard Shaw's comment:
Phonological history of English high front vowels
In RP, the contrast between and weak is maintained. In other accents of the British Isles behavior may be variable; in Irish English the merger is almost universal.