Labour MPs reject use of ‘definitely detrimental’ Union flag election flyers
Far-right association raises concern
LABOUR’S use of the Union flag is “definitely detrimental” to the party’s General Election campaign, an MP has warned, amid unease about the party’s campaign material having associations with the far-right.
Under Keir Starmer, the flag has played a prominent role in Labour campaign material and appearances by the leader as he stresses the party’s patriotic values.
But a Guardian report said the Labour leader was facing discontent from some of the party’s elected representatives over freepost election leaflets “plastered with Union Jacks” amid worries the flag is associated with the far-right.
Concerns were reportedly raised at recent meetings of the party’s black, Asian and minority ethnic group at Westminster and also by London members of the parliamentary Labour Party.
Activists also shared they were uncomfortable with the materials.
One MP said: “We are all really proud of our country but this can be a complex issue for some communities and we have to navigate that more carefully.
“For a lot of communities, we are talking about colours that are associated with the National Front or another far-right group.”
The MP said using the flag might be “great” to target the “hero voters” the party needs to switch from the Tories, but there should be “segmented branding” with different material used in other areas.
Several MPs have requested information on why the material provided could not be more tailored to specific areas. Another MP told The Guardian: “I can see how it would work in some places but it’s definitely detrimental in university towns, and in heavily BAME (black, Asian and minority ethnic) seats.”
A councillor on the South Coast told the newspaper: “I’ve seen boxes of the leaflets being piled up because activists don’t want to give them out.”
The Guardian said a video sent out to activists and organisers said the flag “dominates” the party’s election branding, along with “Labour red”.
Abdi Duale, a member of Labour’s ruling National Executive Committee said: “Britain’s strength is in its diversity and our communities are hugely proud of our nation and its flag.
“Labour are running a proudly progressive and patriotic campaign that celebrates all our communities and that includes using our flag.”
But Labour’s opponents seized on The Guardian’s story. Reform UK’s deputy leader Ben Habib said: “This tells you everything you need to know about the hijacking and breaking of our wonderful country” and Labour “should be ashamed of themselves.”
A spokesperson for Momentum, the left-wing Labour branch of the party, said: “Members are the lifeblood of our party, the activists who put the hard graft in on the doors. They must be listened to and the message is clear: Labour’s campaign materials should reflect the concerns of the communities they serve.
“A one-size-fits-all model is not just ineffective, but has the potential to repel parts of Labour’s core voter base.”