The World Cup did not reclaim the English flag - Yorkshire Post Letters

From: Alec Suchi, Allerton, Bradford.

Jayne Dowle observes in her column that the World Cup will be remembered " for bringing the nation together under the flag. Yes, that flag, the St George's red and white cross (The Yorkshire Post, July 20).

The headline to the article asserted that the "World Cup saw the reclaiming of the flag". However, during Euro 96, it became clear that the flag of St George had become more prominent than the Union Flag among England's supporters and has remained so till today.

Thus, its prominent display recently at the World Cup is not significant of anything new. The flag of St George still seems to cause unease within the establishment.

Geoff Hoon, former Labour Defence Secretary, asserted that the England flag should only be flown during sporting occasions, as it would represent division at other times.

John Reid, former Labour Home Secretary had asserted that 'English Nationalism' was the most dangerous form of nationalism. In this context, Reid was expressing his disapproval for English people to emphasise their own separate and distinct identity.

From the above, it can be seen that an assertion of a separate English identity is met with disapproval, whilst other nations are encouraged to show pride in their own heritage.

This situation became very clear last year when lamp posts throughout the country were being festooned with the flag of St George and was denounced by the establishment as the work of the 'far-right'.

Such inconsistencies will only continue until the flag of St. George is accepted as a legitimate expression of English identity.