England’s distinctive red-and-white St. George’s Cross and iconic union jack flags are making a comeback across the United Kingdom, with supporters calling the resurgence patriotic while critics in the media warn it shows extremism, echoing MAGA-like culture wars across the pond.
The dispute over the flag is the latest symbol of Britain’s political discourse, with Reform UK and Nigel Farage invoking U.S. President Donald Trump-style populism to rally Englishmen.
“Operation Raise the Colours” has called for people to put their flags up where they live and in their everyday lives to rally Britons. The online movement is encouraging people to continue putting up England St. George’s Cross and union jack flags.
With the country’s St. George’s Cross flags behind them, England women’s head football coach Sarina Wiegman, center, poses with her staff and England’s Football Association president Debbie Hewitt, second from left, after leaving a special reception, to celebrate their victory in the Women’s Euro 2025 final, at Downing Street in London, July 28. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
One woman who spoke on the condition of anonymity in BBC’s reporting described how the campaigners marked a crosswalk with red crosses to look like the St. George’s flag as “pointless” and said it came across as “very racist.”
A YouGov poll in June showed Reform UK party would be Britain’s largest political party if a general election were held. Farage has always been a longstanding ally of the president and in February hailed Trump’s victory as “an inspiration”.
Historically overshadowed by the union jack until the 1990s, St. George’s Cross flags now dominate at sports events.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage speaks during a press conference in Westminster, U.K. in June. In an act of patriotism, the country’s union jack and red-and-white St. George’s Cross flags have been making a comeback across the U.K. ( Thomas Krych/Anadolu via Getty Images)
YouGov polling also shows a majority favorable toward flying the St. George’s Cross, but a sizable minority view it negatively.
The row over England’s flag is set to intensify ahead of local and national elections, with councils deciding whether to allow the banners.
Farage did not immediately return Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
