GB News viewers were left outraged after Charlotte Griffiths, Editor at Large of the Mail on Sunday, revealed that immigration officers are being discouraged from wearing England badges to celebrate the 2026 World Cup. Appearing on Thursday's programme, Griffiths told viewers: 'Yes, The Mail on the bottom of page five has pointed out that immigration officials, obviously some of them want to wear a [St] George's Cross flag as their badge to support England. But, apparently, this might offend migrants, so they're being told not to do it. It's frustrating to say the least.'
GB News hosts react
Stephen Dixon and Ellie Costello were left stunned at the revelation, as they questioned the decision. 'So these are immigration officers, and for people who want to come into this country? So why would you be offended by the flag of the nation into which you want to gain entry?' noted Dixon.
Agreeing with Dixon, Griffiths criticised the 'woke bureaucrats in the immigration service that think this will be offensive'.
Former minister weighs in
Asked to share his views on the situation, former migration minister Tom Pursglove weighed in. 'In public-facing areas, I think border force officials, for example, at our airports, shouldn't have any issue whatsoever with showing our pride. This is a big moment for our country, and we're all willing on our teams, and I think government officials should be plugged into that,' he began.
'I think where it's slightly different is, for example, if you're an immigration enforcement official in a detention centre dealing with individuals who are very difficult anyway, the priority should be trying to get them on a plane, and personally, I would completely support the effort or the energy trying to keep that particular environment as calm as possible. That is not a public-facing environment.'
Pursglove concluded that 'it should be a matter of personal preference.'
Viewers react
A discussion which sparked a strong reaction from viewers, several took to X in response. 'This is just peak, who is deciding that flying your flag for support in the World Cup is offensive. Just no,' wrote one.
'This has become so ridiculous - it's our national flag and what people expect to see on arrival here,' remarked a second. 'Migrants probably do not give a flying f***. It is the public and Civil Service who are hiding behind this agenda,' tweeted a third.
