Unveiled Ambition: Labour's Notion of Patriotism Made of Plastic Falls Short
The Labour Party under Keir Starmer and Yvette Cooper, following a change in flag policy in 2023, has seen its leaders adorning their homes with England and Union flags. This shift has sparked discussions about the role of patriotism within the party, with some questioning its alignment with the values of inclusivity, multiculturalism, and internationalism that Starmer and Cooper have publicly advocated.
The appearance of Union flags and crosses of St George across the country has been a topic of debate, with some viewing it as a viral rash or the return of colour to the nation, while others see it as a divisive symbol. Starmer and Cooper's warnings that the flag should unite us rather than divide us have not been universally convincing, as it is clear which flags are being used to fuel division in the nation.
The Labour Party's stance towards patriotism is complex. The modern Labour Party regards simple patriotism with suspicion, viewing it as a form of nationalism that is incompatible with managerialism, international law, and treaty obligations. This perspective is reflected in the articles on our website, which covers topics including free speech, politics, world events, feminism, identity politics, and more. The website features articles by authors such as Brendan O'Neill, Kunwar Khuldune Shahid, Julie Burchill, Jenny Watson, Hugo Timms, and recently, Lionel Shriver and Tom Slater.
However, there was a time when Labour had John Prescott as a representative of traditional left-wing patriotism. But it is unclear if Angela Rayner, the current deputy PM, can follow in his footsteps. The website's supporters and patrons who donate regularly are the only ones who can comment on the articles, making their contributions crucial to the platform.
If just 1% of the loyal readers donated regularly, it would be transformative for the website, allowing for expansion of the team and coverage. Donating £5 a month or £50 a year provides benefits such as ad-free reading, exclusive bonus content, regular events, and access to the comments section. Keir Starmer himself has been open about his support, telling the BBC that he hangs the England flag in his flat and always sits in front of a Union Jack.
Yvette Cooper, too, has flags and bunting in her shed, suggesting a personal connection to the symbols despite the party's complex relationship with patriotism. The flags emphasize Scrutonian oikophilia, a term that refers to a love of one's home or homeland. Starmer and Cooper have consulted their communications experts to agree on a strategy for standing with the flag-wavers while subtly distancing themselves from them.
As the Labour Party navigates these complexities, the role of patriotism within the party continues to be a topic of discussion and debate. The future of patriotism within the Labour Party remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the party's stance on the issue will continue to shape its identity and its relationship with the nation.
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