Keir Starmer saying he’s ‘a supporter of flags’ isn’t just disappointing, it’s dangerous

Keir Starmer finally spoke about the flags that have been plastered everywhere across the country – and his response was nothing short of dismal. If you’ve been lucky enough to avoid the onslaught of England and Union Jack flags flying across the country over the past few weeks, you’ve been blessed. Operation Raise the Colours has seen a movement of encouragement to fly the nation’s flags wherever possible – allegedly in an attempt to raise patriotism. But for those with an inkling of ability to read between the lines, and the intrinsic link between these protests happening outside migrant hotels in the country know there’s a sinister undertone to what is happening here. It’s not about patriotism, it’s about a horrible undercurrent that’s on the rise. Keir Starmer had the opportunity to blast this situation for what it was, but his smiley endorsement of flags was unhelpful – and potentially dangerous.

‘I am a supporter of flags’

Prime minister Keir Starmer yesterday was interviewed for BBC Radio 5 Live, and was asked whether he felt like people putting up the St George’s flag and Union Jacks in the wake of the migrant hotel protests could be seen as racist and intimidating. Starmer said “I am a supporter of flags.”

Sir Keir Starmer continued: “I am the leader of the Labour Party who put the Union Jack on our Labour Party membership cards. I always sit in front of the Union Jack. I’ve been doing it for years, and it attracted a lot of comment when I started doing it.” He also said he’s got the flag hanging in his flat upstairs in 10 Downing Street, above where the interview was being conducted.

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“I’m very encouraging of flags. I think they’re patriotic and I think they’re a great symbol of our nation,” Starmer said. “I don’t think they should be devalued and belittled. I think sometimes when they’re used purely for divisive purposes, actually it devalues the flag. I don’t want to see that. I’m proud of our flag.”

Anti-migrant protests. Via Shutterstock

I too am proud of our flag. When it is the World Cup, I feel patriotic. Before Eurovision refused to condemn Israel’s genocide in Gaza – I also was proud waving the flag for the UK – particularly defending Mae Muller when we hosted the proceedings in Liverpool in 2023. These moments make me feel proud for our country, because flying the flag in those instances never feels anything other than what it is. This current rise in flags doesn’t make me feel patriotic, it makes me feel uneasy.

Operation Raise the Colours claims to be in aid of patriotism, but you scratch under the surface and see who is supporting it. Tommy Robinson, Farage and Kemi Badenoch all are endorsing. And meanwhile, people of colour are voicing their concern in this country about how unsafe it’s making them feel. Keir Starmer refusing to call out what is clearly going on with the rise of flags undermines the actuality of the situation.

@eventfulechoes So much hatred everywhere! Is there anyone else out there that believes this is all getting out of hand now? #unitedkingdom #patriots #illegalimmigrants #fyp ♬ original sound – eventfulechoes

In the above clip from Sky, the true extent of what’s happening here is paramount. Business owner Zahin from Nuneaton is being interviewed before the conversation is derailed by two white women, who hurl abuse at him – quickly telling him to leave the country and accusing migrants of “raping our kids”. It’s horrible to watch.

To see Keir Starmer smiling whilst being interviewed and declaring the current discourse around flags as mostly something to be positive about is not only disappointing – it’s dangerous.

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