Sir Keir Starmer has taken a veiled swipe at Reform UK leader Nigel Farage in his St George’s Day tribute.
The Prime Minister, who is currently attempting to thwart the rise of Reform UK, was joined by a number of high profile English icons at No10.
Turning his attention to the politicisation of patriotism, Starmer said: “That flag doesn’t belong to me as Prime Minister, it doesn’t belong to my party, the Labour Party, or to any group or political party.
“It belongs to all of us, to England in all of its wonderful diversity. And we should be proud of that flag and we must never concede it because it’s an expression of our values and our patriotism.”
The Prime Minister’s comments come after Nigel Farage warned: “I’m very concerned that we have whole areas of our towns and cities that are unrecognisable as being English, but they’re not unrecognisable as being English because of skin colour. They’re unrecognisable because of culture.”
Labour MPs have been rolling out a three-pronged attack against Reform amid a surge in support for Farage.
Farage even faced accusations of being a “plastic patriot” following much-denied accusations of Reform cozying up to Vladimir Putin.
Despite Labour’s best efforts, Reform remains extremely popular with voters who identify as English only.
However, Starmer’s St George’s Day tribute also separately made reference to last summer’s Southport riots.
The Prime Minister vowed to “wrench the flag out of the hands of those who want to divide this nation and reclaim it for good”, adding: “That’s what we must do for our country, for English decency, honour and fairness.”
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WATCH NOW: Downing Street raises the flag of St George as PM leads celebrations
Downing Street raises the flag of St George as the PM leads celebrations
Reeves vows to ‘defend Britain’s interests’ ahead of crunch Washington meeting
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has pledged to “defend Britain’s interests” ahead of a crunch meeting with Finance Ministers in Washington.
Reeves, who is expected to make a push for a UK-US trade deal, will spend three-days stateside for the International Monetary Fund’s spring meeting.
She is also expected to hold her first face-to-face meeting with US counterpart Scott Bessant.
The Chancellor’s visit to Washington comes as the IMF slashed the UK’s growth forecast by 0.5 per cent, with almost all countries witnessing a downgrade.
PM meets with English icons at No10 St George’s Day reception
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Gary Lineker looking at a football shirt during a reception to celebrate St George’s Day
PA
Sir Keir Starmer has been snapped with a number of iconic English sportsmen and celebrities as No10 marked St George’s Day with a reception yesterday.
Appearing alongside England rugby captain Maro Itoje, comedian Rob Beckett and BBC star Gary Lineker, Starmer said: “Moments like this, as we come together to celebrate St. George’s Day are a reminder of all our nation has been through over generations and the values that have endured. The creativity, resilience and good will and humour that have remained a constant through the ages and will endure for generations to come.
“So, let’s be proud of our national identity, let’s pay tribute to all those who keep our country going from the generations who laid down their lives to keep us free, to those serving our country today. Our armed forces, our NHS staff, our teachers and the small businesses who serve their community.
“Let’s remember our shared history, our shared inheritance and the values that have endured. And most of all, let’s hear it for England and for St. George! Thank you very much.”