The Bunker – News without the nonsense Best of 2025 – Flag Wars – Inside this Summer's political minefield
Dec 30, 2025
John Elledge, a journalist and keen political commentator, joins Alex von Tunzelmann to explore this summer's flag frenzy in Britain. They dissect the rise of the St George's Cross and its controversial ties to far-right groups involved in 'Operation Raise The Colours.' Discussion turns to political leaders' inauthentic flag displays and the complex associations flags hold today, including nationalism and identity. Can flags serve as a unifying symbol against the far right, or will they deepen divisions? Elledge shares his reluctance to embrace flag culture, seeking a more inclusive patriotism.
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Flags Became Ambiguous Signals
- Flags surged across Britain this summer in ways that blurred patriotism and intimidation.
- Alex von Tunzelmann and John Elledge note the displays can signal exclusion as well as pride.
St George's Cross In Wales
- John Elledge recounts St George's crosses appearing in a Welsh commuter town to show how misplaced flags can feel.
- He uses the example to highlight England's dominant population share and awkward union symbolism.
England's Symbolic Vacuum
- England lacks an unproblematic national symbol because both Union and St George's flags carry toxic associations.
- That vacuum creates an opening the far right can exploit to claim patriotism.