Under the flag

It is quite right that the flag of St George is to fly over 10 Downing Street today, for the England game against Belgium. It happens that there are two flagstaffs in Downing Street, the other being over No 11, which is interlinked with No 10. So it is perfectly proper to fly the senior flag of the United Kingdom in the place of honour to the left and that of England to the right. A cause for rejoicing is that this government favour of the flag of England robs it of any venom with which mean nationalists have tried to soak the emblem. And the flag of St George, it is only fair to note, is more lovely than that of Belgium (a simple black, yellow and red tricolour – the same stripes as Germany, in a different arrangement). The United Kingdom is blessed with its flags: bold, beautiful and recognisable. They are worthy things under which to live, die or play.