'We have allowed the Cross of St George to be tarnished - it's time to fly it with pride'

Patriotism does not equal nationalism. Patriotism does not equal extremism.

A proud emblem of stoic unity, and the famous British spirit, our national flags stand as beacons of shared identity and community. They transcended political divides, stitched together generations, and offered a rallying point for people from all walks of life. They are symbols of celebration, of togetherness, and of a country that, despite its complexities, can stand tall and proud. Yet sadly, these very flags are regarded, by some, as banners of hate and exclusion.

Recently, debates have intensified over the supposed offensiveness of our national flags, with people across the country hesitating to display them for fear of appearing divisive. In some corners of our country, there seems a greater willingness to raise foreign flags than to proudly fly our own.

A British flag flown for the right reasons - for joy, for unity, for love of country - is a deeply moving demonstration of patriotism that should be celebrated.

Millions of people feel a surge of pride whenever they see a British flag and it has a unifying effect in bringing together Brits of many cultures. Whether draped over a balcony during a summer sports tournament, waved by crowds at a street party, or by those lining The Mall on the way to Buckingham Palace, this unifying effect should not cease the moment national celebrations end.

For years I have worn a Union Flag lapel pin badge and will continue to do so with pride.

Across the United States the Stars and Stripes is flown on millions of public and privately owned buildings, and Denmark proudly displaying its red-and-white cross on everyday items, from food packaging to birthday cakes and Christmas decorations.

In these countries it is not regarded as a weapon or a threat. It is recognised for what it truly is: a natural expression of patriotism. It reflects a shared pride among citizens, regardless of who they are or what their background may be, in celebrating their nation.

Why, then, should our national flags be regarded any differently?

The problem does not lie with the flags themselves, but with the corrosive narrative that has been allowed to dominate. For too long, they have been tainted by association with extremism, racism, and division by those intent on driving wedges rather than fostering unity. The St George's Cross, in particular, has been increasingly tarnished for decades.

But our flags do not belong to fringe groups; they belong to the nation. They are an emblem of our shared identity, symbols of our collective pride, and reminders of the values and traditions we hold in common.

To perpetuate the notion that our flags are offensive, simply because a minority has distorted their meaning, is to hand victory to those very groups. It is to concede to division and invite further discord. The solution is not silence, but tolerant, stoic restoration. We must restore our collective pride in our flags as symbols of patriotism and encourage citizens across the country to display them proudly, for the right reasons, with the dignity they deserve whilst upholding the laws that protect our shared public property.

Our flag should not only fly above us but be worn with honour on our jackets and proudly stand on the products we make, from our world-famous tea and vibrant red strawberries to the everyday essentials we rely on, so often without noticing their origin.

Displaying our flag ensures everyone knows these goods are truly British and that each one is the proud work of our incredible farmers, entrepreneurs, and skilled workers. Buying British is more than shopping, it is pride in our people, pride in our flag and pride in supporting our economy.

The United Kingdom has every reason to be proud. We are a nation of innovators and builders, of carers and defenders. We have endured hardship, triumphed in adversity, and shaped the course of world history, from the trenches of the First World War, through the Blitz and victory in the Second, to the creation of the Commonwealth. Our character has been forged not in comfort but in resilience, and that resilience remains alive in every community that calls this country home.

Our flags should embody that spirit. They are not relics of the past, nor the property of the loudest few. They remind us not only of our heritage, but of the common purpose that binds us together as a nation. To fly them patriotically is to affirm that Britain's best days are not behind us - they are still to come.

Patriotism is our strength.