Readers of the Daily Express have had their say over whether they think the St George’s flag is racist or not. The Express issued a poll on Saturday (August 23), asking for views after Dorset Council leader Nick Ireland suggested a campaign to fly Union and England flags had been exploited by some far right groups.
He told the BBC there was an “underlying tension” to the campaign, which he argued has been “hijacked” by people whose views were “completely unacceptable”. In total, 12,795 votes were cast in the Express‘s poll. One percent of the votes (155) agreed the St George’s flag is intimidating and racist.
But 99% disagreed – an overwhelming 12,604 votes. Another 36 votes were registered under “Don’t know”.
The poll sparked debate too, with readers sharing their views. This included one person one who said anyone who finds the flags of the four nations and Union flag “racist or intimidating” shouldn’t live in the UK.
Cambrensis added: “The UK is one of the few countries that does not celebrate National Day. We ought to celebrate our Patron Saints and have a day for the British flag. Be proud of who we are!”
Fellow reader, Riseup616, commented: “I am a Scottish ex-soldier who lives in England, with my English wife and English/Scottish sons.
“I think it’s absolutely absurd that the Cross of St George is being called racist and intimidating to non-English people! I don’t find it intimidating, threatening or distasteful, quite the opposite.”
Reader, Mousetrap, suggested with some sadness their belief the flag of St George has been seized by extremists.
They said: “Sadly one admits that the far right has hijacked the English flag. That is no reason though for decent people to dislike or be intimated. We should be flying it more often which would indicate that is is our flag and we are proud of it.”
Another reader, Tip, said as an inanimate object it can’t be racist or intimidating. They added: “Unfortunately that is down to the people looking at it. I could look at a can of beans and say I find them intimidating and racist if that’s what I want to think.
“The Union flag and St George’s flag are representative of our country and the people in it, not racist or intimidating in the slightest, unless of course you want it to be because that fits your remit to paint this country and its people as something negative.”
Reader, Rosepetal, added: “Our flag is a symbol of national pride and unity. If you don’t want to be part of our union, then go where you fit in.
“If you are proud to support England and Britain, then you are welcome. The problem is far more with those that don’t want to be part of our society much.”