RISHI Sunak has waded into the row over the new England football strip – saying the St George’s Cross should not be “messed with”.
The Prime Minister described the symbol as “perfect” and that he “prefers the original”.
Nike is under fire for its new design which has seen the English flag altered from a plain red cross to varying shades of red on the vertical bar while the horizontal bar becomes strips of purple, light blue and navy.
The company has said the new design includes a “playful update” on the cross designed to “unite and inspire,” while explaining the colours reference the training kit worn by England's 1966 World Cup winners.
READ MORE: Furious fans accuse Nike of 'plot to destroy England' after flag change
Sunak’s comments come after Labour leader Keir Starmer urged Nike to “reconsider” the change and reverse its decision.
The BBC reported on Friday the company have no plans to bow to politicians’ demands and will not alter the new design.
Speaking to reporters on a campaign visit, Sunak said: “When it comes to our national flags, we shouldn't mess with them because they're a source of pride, identity, who we are, and they're perfect as they are.”
Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer has said the changes are “not what fans want”, adding: “Our national heritage – including St George's Cross – brings us together. Toying with it is pointless and unnecessary.”
The shirts cost a whopping £124.99 for adults and £119.99 for children for the “authentic” version. A cheaper “stadium” version will fetch £84.99 and £64.99 for children.
Meanwhile, SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn has mocked the outrage from English politicians – referring to Diadora’s spin on the Scotland strip in 2007 which featured a baby blue cross on a white background.
Remember when Diadora disrespected the Saltire and none of us celebrated beating France because of it 😡😡😡 pic.twitter.com/KEomWXYmt1
— Stephen Flynn MP (@StephenFlynnSNP) March 22, 2024
He posted a picture of the team celebrating Scotland’s 0-1 win over France with the caption: “Remember when Diadora disrespected the Saltire and none of us celebrated beating France because of it.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel