Starmer insists Labor Party is 'proud' to fly the Union flag

Sir Keir Starmer's Labor Party is «positive, progressive and patriotic», a spokesman says. Photo: JON SUPER/AP

Sir Keir Starmer insists the Labor Party is «proud» to fly the Union flag after a number of his MPs complained that its use in party leaflets was turning off ethnic minority voters.

The Labor Party leader was backed by Lord Blunkett, the former home secretary, who said MPs criticizing the appearance of the national flag in election material had «failed to understand that pride in nation» is «fundamental» to working-class voters.

Unnamed MPs said the heavy use of the Union flag could alienate ethnic voters minorities.

One MP said: «We are all really proud of our country, but for some communities this can be a difficult issue and we need to deal with it more carefully.»

«For many communities we talk about the colors that are associated with The National Front or another far-right group.”

The MP asked why the party could not use “segmented branding” for different voters.

Another MP commented on the use of the flag: «I can see how it would work in some places, but it is definitely harmful in university towns and in places with a lot of poverty.»

The MP stated that «several colleagues» told them about the activists' refusal to hand out leaflets.

“They're actually just like a Union Jack, only with a little red on the sides. There isn't even a Labor rose. You don't have to prove your patriotism by wrapping yourself in a Union Jack.»

On Saturday, the Labor Party issued a short statement denying the claims.

A party spokesman said: “Keira a changed Labor Party is positive, progressive and patriotic, and we proudly fly the Union flag.”

Lord Blunkett says pride in nation is a “fundamental working class principle”. party presents Photo: LORNE CAMPBELL/GUZELIAN

Lord Blunkett ridiculed MPs who objected to the use of the flag in election literature.

He told The Telegraph: “Anyone who thinks that way has failed to understand that pride in nation is a fundamental working class principle which the party seeks to represent.

“Secondly, he does not understand that the Union flag symbolizes the unity of the United Kingdom and the coming together of nations.”

Lord Blunkett added: “British citizens of all backgrounds — I I think they will want to be associated with the unity of the nation.”

Conservative MPs took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to criticize the Labor Party over the row.

Jonathan Gallis, MP for Stoke-on-Trent North, said: “Some Labor MPs are complaining about having our country's flag on their campaign material.

“Same old Labor party,” he added.

Brendan Clarke-Smith, MP for Bassetlaw, said: “If you are so ashamed of our country, then don’t worry about becoming a deputy.”

Reorienting Labor in a more patriotic direction was a priority. for Sir Keir since he succeeded Jeremy Corbyn in 2020.

Although Corbyn was criticized for not singing the national anthem at the Battle of Britain memorial ceremony in 2015, Sir Keir in 2022 decided that the anthem should be sung at the Labor Party's annual party conference.