Starmer DOES have England flags! Fresh row erupts after Labour 'snubbed' St George Cross

Starmer outside Downing Street
George Bunn

By George Bunn


Published: 06/07/2024

- 17:36

Updated: 06/07/2024

- 17:46

Bunting was placed on the railings outside Downing Street

Bunting featuring St George's Cross has been placed on the railings outside Downing Street as Labour found itself criticised over its use of flags.

Yesterday GB News viewers noticed that the Saltire and the Welsh Dragon were handed out to supporters for the new Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer but not the flag of St George nor the flag of Northern Ireland.


Now, the flag of St George has been raised above the residency as well as bunting hung up on the railings to mark England's Euros match.

This was pointed out by people on social media, with some calling it 'conspicuous.'

Starmer

Starmer has been criticised for its lack of St George's Flags

PA

One said: "England flag at Downing Street today to support the England team. Any idea why Labour didn’t hand it out to their selected supporters welcoming Starmer there yesterday as they did with the Union flag, the Saltire and the Welsh flag?! Very conspicuous."

Another added: "Stung by media criticism of no England flags yesterday. Today Downing Street is bedecked." while another pointed out: "Unlike when Starmer entered No10, it now has England flags."

However, some praised the new Prime Minister, with one saying: "Gosh England flags on the railings of Downing Street! Who said Keir is afraid of the Georges Cross?" Another said: "Loving the flags outside of Downing Street. C’mon England."

In 2021, Downing Street was adorned with England flags by then Prime Minister Boris Johnson. GB News had approached Downing Street for a comment.

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\u200bFLags being put up outside Downing Street

FLags being put up outside Downing Street

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Back in April, the then Leader of the Opposition urged all of Labour’s General Election candidates to mark St George’s Day "with enthusiasm" and to "fly the flag" across the country.

Sir Keir told his supporters he has "no time" for those who “flinch” at the St George’s flag.

He also warned against the flag being surrendered to the far-right: "We cannot allow it to become the preserve of the tiny minority who want to drive hatred in our communities."

Writing in The Telegraph, he said: "Labour is the patriotic party now – and we will celebrate St George’s Day with enthusiasm, an enthusiasm shared with each patron saints’ day on our isles … Our changed Labour party is proud of our national identity and ready to serve."

Starmer's cabinet

Sir Keir Starmer hosts his first Cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street,

PA

It comes as the Prime Minster held the first Labour cabinet meeting in Downing Street for over a decade.

A Downing Street readout from the meeting said the Prime Minister had told ministers "the whole country was looking to the Government to deliver on their priorities."

The readout says: "The Prime Minister said the country faces many complex challenges, which is why the Government will be focused on the delivery of clear missions, and that he expects his Cabinet to work together to drive forward the ambitious changes we need to make our country a better place for the long term.

"Mission leads will be responsible for the oversight and delivery of each mission; the Chancellor will lead on economic growth; the Energy Secretary on clean energy; the Health Secretary on building an NHS fit for the future; the Home Secretary on taking back our streets, and the Education Secretary on opportunities."

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