ITV viewers were left divided over a segment on Tuesday’s Lorraine, where stand-in presenter Ranvir Singh led a debate over recent campaign Raise the Colours, which has seen St George’s and Union Jack flags displayed across the country.
While Singh discussed both sides of the debate with her guests, some viewers fumed over what they perceived as a stronger emphasis being placed on concerns over far-right groups rather than genuine patriotism.
“Have you noticed – perhaps you could be struggling to not notice – the St. George’s flags, the Union Jack flags that are popping up in and around lots of places around the country?” Ms Singh asked viewers.
“It’s caused a lot of debate actually, hasn’t it? I suppose it depends which side you fall on.
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“Does flying the flag in this way represent pride in your country? Or does it make you feel a bit worried and a bit uncomfortable?
“Do you wonder what they mean by it? The people who are doing it? Broadcaster Nicola Thorp is here and Dr Amir Khan joins me now from his clinic up north.”
Addressing Mrs Thorp, the presenter added: “Just explain what’s behind it – is there a certain group behind it or several campaigns behind it?”
“Yeah, it’s all quite confusing, but generally speaking, it’s called Operation Raise the Colours, and it involves rainsing up flags across the country,” the former actress detailed.
She continued: “Now, you might have remembered about a month ago, there was a girl who went to school in a Union Jack dress.
“She was told that she couldn’t come into school and do a speech about being proud to be British.”
“Because it was a day about talking about different cultures and differences,” Ms Singh added, continuing: “They were told to come as something else other than being English.”
“Yes, and the school have apologised profusely for that and rightly so,” Thorp replied.
She continued: “But some people took offence to that and said well, in response we’re going to start raising flags left, right and centre.
“And now, many other groups, including far-right groups, have taken to this campaign and I would say that, across the country, some people might be raising flags because they feel proud to be British.
“And they’re proud to, you know, raise the St. George’s or the Union Jack flag, but other people are using it and are co-opting this campaign, which has got strong links to the far-right, strong links to Tommy Robinson and Britain First.
In fact, Britain First have donated 75 percent of their flag stock to this campaign.
“For me, I’m very proud of the flag when I see it, you know, relating to sport and other things like that.
“But ultimately, I have seen that flag being used at race riots, at protests where people have been racially abused, racially assaulted – the EDL, English Defence League, are often wearing them.”
Sharing his view, ITV doctor Amir Khan shared: “Look, I love a flag. You know, during the 2012 London Olympics, my house was covered in Union Jack flags.
“In the football, I had flags here at work, the St. George’s flag, you know, I’m proud of those moments.
“And I’ve got a box full of Union Jack bunting in the garage for when we have street parties. For me, those flags represent togetherness, unity, joy and celebration.
“And going into cities and stuff, I don’t mind seeing the flag provided it is representing things like pride and unity.”
Sharing his own opinion on the matter, Dr Khan added: “But I think context and intent is everything. We can’t ignore the fact that these flags, particularly the St. George’s flag, has been hijacked by far-right groups.”
Amid the conversation, many shared on social media they thought the interview biased because both guests took the same stance on the debate.
“Will they have a topic about Palestine, rainbow, and black lives matter flags being provocative and have all-white guests to discuss it? No, that wouldn’t fit the narrative. You’re being taught to hate your skin colour and flag (only provided that you’re white) #lorraine,” one fumed on X.
A second penned: “#lorraine missing the point completely. Seeing so many of the country supporting the GB and Eng, Scot, Wales, and NI flags does not make everyone Far Right. Could you not find anyone to interview to add balance or does that not fit with your politics?”
“#lorraine How many times will we hear St George was Turkish? Does that mean we can’t display our own flag? Think of something new,” another demanded.
“Good to see a balance debate for both sides (not) on this show #lorraine,” someone else complained.
Another noted: “Racism is wrong. Happens everyday. But that + authentic concerns of the gen population are not mutually exclusive.
“Racism can happen + there be genuine things occurring that good people want a solution to. Not using our country’s flag bc of nefarious groups not the answer #lorraine.”
One more simply shared on the social media platform: “Unbalanced opinions #lorraine.”
However, others applauded the debate, with one viewer sharing: “Dr Amir is spot on. We owe the British Asian / Asian community a lot #lorraine @lorraine.”
“@lorraine @DrAmirKhanGP Well said Dr Amir Khan. You made a very good case for reclaiming the flags.
“People need to recognise what value the migrant BRITISH people have brought to our society. Fascism is NOT the answer! #lorraine,” a second commented.
“Raising the Colour (Flags) is all about White Supremacy, also supported by, the Conservatives and ReformUK People who would vote for Trump too. Racism on steroids! Dangerous times politically. #Lorraine #lorraine,” another remarked. (sic)