Good Morning Britain viewers were left furious after a guest claimed the St George's flag is racist and should be removed. The debate erupted on Tuesday's programme after it emerged that councils across England plan to take down flags attached to lampposts and other public fixtures.
Professor Kehinde Andrews of Birmingham City University said the flag is 'provocative' and 'synonymous with racism', arguing that it represents Britain's colonial past and white supremacy. 'Both of these flags are the flags that were flown on ships that enslaved my ancestors,' he said, referring to the St George's Cross and Union Jack.
In contrast, writer Dr Rakib Ehsan said people should be proud of British identity and that ethnic minorities displaying the flag are a 'counter-challenge' to far-right groups. He acknowledged that the flag can be intimidating but insisted it can also represent belonging.
The exchange grew heated as Andrews rejected the idea that waving the flag could be a counter to extremists. 'How can it be a counter-challenge if the reason they're putting this flag up there is to remind you that you're British?' he asked. Presenter Adil Ray attempted to calm the discussion, noting that not all who wave the flag are protesting.
Good Morning Britain viewers were shocked by Andrews' comments, with one fuming that such views are 'the exact reason the country is on its a**e'. The debate continues online, with many defending the flag as a symbol of national pride.
