The cross of St George should not be tampered with, says Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, commenting on a dispute over the colors of England’s football team uniform.
Earlier, Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer joined the chorus of notable voices criticizing Nike’s design for the new uniform. The design uses the cross creatively, adding navy, light blue, and purple to the typical red.
Speaking with reporters, Mr. Sunak stated that he “prefers the original” and that the national flag is a “source of pride” and identity. “When it comes to our national flags, we shouldn’t mess with them because they’re a source of pride, identity, who we are, and they’re perfect as they are,” he went on to say.
Responses over social media
On social media, the cultural secretary stated, “Fans should always come first, and it’s clear that this is not what fans want.” Our national history, including St George’s Cross, binds us together. “Toying with it is pointless and unnecessary.”
According to Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, the “flag is used by everybody, it is a unifier, it doesn’t need to be changed”.
“We just need to be proud of it. So, I believe they should rethink and change it back,” he remarked. Nike said the jersey, which was released earlier this week ahead of Euro 2024, has “a playful update to the cross of St George” that “appears on the collar to unite and inspire”.
Cost of the authentic version
The “authentic” version, which goes on sale on March 21, will cost £124.99 for adults and £119.99 for children, while the “stadium” version will cost £84.99 and £64.99 for children, respectively.
It is known that the FA stands by the Nike design and denies any notion that they are attempting or intending to replace the St George’s flag.
Opinions
With a national election due in Britain this year, when cultural concerns are likely to be significant, lawmakers from all parties have remarked on the design.
“Well, obviously, I prefer the original,” Sunak told reporters. “My general view is that when it comes to our national flags, we shouldn’t mess with them, because they’re a source of pride, identity, who we are, and they’re perfect as they are.”
The brilliant red St George’s Cross on a white backdrop is typically featured on the flag. Former England custodian Peter Shilton told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that he does not agree with the alterations, stating that “I’m a traditionalist”.
Shilton, who participated in the 1982, 1986, and 1990 World Cups and holds the record for most professional appearances, stated that the England football team represents the country, “and red, white, and blue are the colours that we have on our flag”.
However, England midfielder Declan Rice and Lionesses striker Alessia Russo each told England Football that they gave the new uniform a 10 out of 10.
