KEIR Starmer has claimed that Labour are “the true party of English patriotism” and said he has no time for those who “flinch” at the displaying of the St George’s Cross.
In an article for The Telegraph, the Labour leader said the Tories had lost the right to call themselves patriotic.
He said: “The question is – is this Conservative Party really capable of serving anything other than itself? I don’t think so.
“In fact, frankly, when you’ve trashed the economy, hammered mortgage holders, weakened the union, neglected our forces, repeatedly broken laws you expected others to follow and denigrated some of our proudest national institutions – from the BBC, to the National Trust and England football team – I’m afraid you have lost any right to call yourself a patriotic party.”
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In a bid to one-up the Tories in showing appreciation for the English flag, Starmer vowed to celebrate St George’s Day with “enthusiasm” and criticised associating use of the St George’s Cross with right-wing, insular politics.
“We’re committed to putting our patriotic values into practice,” he said.
“More and better homes for hard-working people. Access to art, sport, and music for every child. Devolving power to local communities, supporting aspiration and championing the British hope that if you work hard, anyone can do well in life.
“That is why I have no time for those who flinch at displaying our flag. Because the cross of St George belongs to every person who loves this country and seeks to make it better – a symbol of pride, belonging and inclusion.
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“We cannot allow it to become the preserve of the tiny minority who want to drive hatred in our communities.”
It comes after the Prime Minister criticised sports brand Nike’s “playful update” to the St George’s Cross on the new England football kit.
The incident appears to have sparked a wave of flag-centred patriotism within the party, with two Tory MPs so far calling for a minister of flags to be appointed in the UK Government.
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