2 days ago
Flying the St George flag should not be controversial
It is often noted when people watch replays of the 1966 World Cup Final that England's fans waved the Union flag, not the Cross of St George. The latter did not really appear at football matches until the European championships in 1996 when Scotland qualified. Scots fans brought the Saltire with them so England responded with the flag of St George.
In Scotland and in Wales, where the red dragon is everywhere, the flags of nationhood are commonplace, especially on public buildings. In England, by contrast, the St George's flag is a rarity and is positively discouraged. Now, local communities wanting to fly the flags are having them removed by local authorities.
Birmingham council took down hundreds of flags from street lampposts while the London borough of Tower Hamlets – which has countenanced banners supporting Palestine, Pakistan independence day and 'Pride' month – has banned unauthorised British national flags.
However, across the country a campaign called Operation Raise the Colours is now testing councils by flying both the Union and St George's flags. Doubtless some are seeking to make a political point but flying the national standard should not be considered controversial or incendiary. Can anyone imagine it being so in America or France?
Moreover, since devolution under the first Tony Blair government, the constituent parts of the UK have been encouraged to celebrate their identities. Government guidance states that flags 'are a very British way of expressing joy and pride' and of highlighting local and national identities. Are those Labour councils who are taking down these flags ashamed of their own country?
