Westminster City Council leader Paul Swaddle has taken a stand against what he calls the 'woke brigade' by hoisting the St George flag over City Hall and encouraging residents to do the same ahead of England's World Cup quarter-final against Norway.
Swaddle's Patriotic Call
Councillor Swaddle said: 'I've ensured that our building is flying the St George flag as England prepare for their titanic quarter final clash with Norway. We're proud to fly the flag and get behind the three lions. Good luck to Harry, Jude and the rest of the boys. It would be great to see as many people as possible across Westminster flying the St George's cross.'
The move comes in contrast to Oxfordshire County Council leader Tim Bearder, a Liberal Democrat, who secured a court injunction to ban the St George and Union flags from being flown from lamp-posts without council permission. Bearder described the injunction as 'the first ever of its kind in the country' and a 'blueprint for other councils'.
Controversy Over Flag Bans
Bearder's actions have drawn criticism from senior Conservatives. Tory Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake said: 'We should be unashamedly proud of our national identity. The Union Jack and the Flag of St George both unite our nation. It is shameful the Liberal Democrats are turning their backs on these important symbols. People should be encouraged to show their patriotism, not lectured out of it.'
Former football manager Harry Redknapp also weighed in, saying: 'What is wrong with these people? Fly your flags, be proud of your country. Don't be ashamed.'
Irony in Bearder's Position
Tim Bearder is the son of Cathrine Bearder, who served as a Liberal Democrat MEP for South East England until 2020. In 2024, she complained when Oxford City Council told her to remove the European flag from outside her home, arguing the council should prioritise other matters over flag policing. Critics have noted the irony in her stance given her son's actions.
The flag debate reflects deeper divisions over national pride. Swaddle's approach has been praised as a 'rare outbreak of common sense' by supporters, who argue that flying the flag is an expression of unity rather than division.
