Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Sunak on new England football kit row: 'Don't mess with flag'

The new England football shirt designed by Nike changed the colours of the St George’s Cross

Sunak on new England football kit row: 'Don't mess with flag'

PRIME MINISTER Rishi Sunak waded into a row over a new England football shirt designed by Nike that changes the colours of the St George's Cross, saying "we shouldn't mess" with national flags.

The US sportswear giant altered the appearance of the Cross -- the flag of England -- using purple and blue horizontal stripes in what it called a "playful update" to the shirt ahead of Euro 2024, which starts in June.


Nike and the Football Association said the colours on the back of the collar -- different from the traditional red cross on a white background -- were inspired by the training kit worn by England's 1966 World Cup winners.

GettyImages 2097683317 Racks of England's new Nike designed football shirt are displayed for sale in a central London store on March 22, 2024. (Photo by DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images)

But the decision has led to a furious backlash from some fans and former players, with leading politicians weighing in.

Sunak -- a fan of Championship side Southampton -- said he "prefers the original" England shirt.

"My general view is that when it comes to our national flags, we shouldn't mess with them," he told reporters. "Because they are a source of pride, identity, who we are, and they're perfect as they are."

Culture secretary Lucy Frazer, whose remit includes sport, said the FA and its kit partner had failed to put supporters first.

"Our national heritage –- including St George's Cross -– brings us together. Toying with it is pointless and unnecessary," she said on X.

Keir Starmer, the leader of opposition Labour party and an Arsenal supporter, called on Nike to "reconsider" its decision.

"I'm a big football fan, I go to England games, men and women's games, and the flag is used by everybody. It is a unifier. It doesn't need to be changed. We just need to be proud of it," Starmer told the Sun newspaper.

In a statement later on Friday (22), Nike said it "was never its intention to offend" but did not indicate any plans to change the kit design.

"We have been a proud partner of the FA since 2012 and understand the significance and importance of the St George's Cross and it was never our intention to offend, given what it means to England fans," it said.

"Together with the FA, the intention was to celebrate the heroes of 1966 and their achievements. The trim on the cuffs takes its cues from the training gear worn by England's 1966 heroes, with a gradient of blues and reds topped with purple.

"The same colours also feature an interpretation of the flag on the back of the collar."

England boss Gareth Southgate insisted the controversy had not affected their preparations for Saturday's friendly with Brazil at Wembley.

"It has not taken anything away from what we've been preparing for all day," Southgate said.

"It's not been high on my list of priorities but it depends which bit it is. I don't know if the debate is about the St George's flag needing to be on the England shirt because it hasn't always been.

"The most important thing on the England shirt is our Three Lions because that is an iconic symbol. It is the thing that distinguishes us.

"Then I suppose what you're asking is, should we be tampering with the cross of St George? If it is not a red cross and a white background, then it's not a cross of St George anyway, so it is a hard question to answer."

The FA said it was proud of the kit design, also referencing the 1966 link.

"It is not the first time that different coloured St George's Cross-inspired designs have been used on England shirts," said a spokesman.

The debate over the new design comes with British politics in the grip of so-called "culture war" issues, pitting proponents of "traditionalist" values, such as Sunak's ruling Conservatives, against those with more liberal, "progressive" views.

(AFP)

More For You

Manchester Police probes over 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects

Photo for representation. (iStock)

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Manchester Police probes over 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects

GREATER MANCHESTER POLICE is now investigating more than 1,000 child sexual abuse suspects, following years of public criticism and institutional failings in tackling child sexual exploitation.

A new report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has revealed the force has made “significant improvements” in dealing with group-based sexual abuse and related crimes.

Keep ReadingShow less
Diwali

This year’s Diwali event will still see Belgrave Road continue to host what is left of the festival. (Representational image)

Major changes announced for Leicester’s Diwali celebrations amid safety fears

LDRS

THIS year’s annual Diwali celebrations will be stripped back amid public safety fears. Leicester City Council has said there will be no fireworks or stage entertainment as part of major changes announced for the event.

Cossington Street Recreation Ground will also not be used for the festivities, the council has revealed. The green space previously was the location for the main stage and the Diwali Village with its food stalls, funfair rides, fashion and arts. The annual fire garden display was also based there, offering “a peaceful oasis amid the festive excitement”.

Keep ReadingShow less
Corbyn- Zarah Sultana

Zarah Sultana with Jeremy Corbyn during a protest outside Downing Street demanding the UK government to stop all arms sales to Israel. (Photo: X/@zarahsultana)

X/@zarahsultana

Zarah Sultana leaves Labour, plans new party with Corbyn and independents

FORMER Labour MP Zarah Sultana has announced her resignation from the party and plans to launch a new political party alongside ex-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and other independent MPs and activists.

Sultana, who represents Coventry South, lost the Labour whip last year for supporting the removal of the two-child benefit cap.

Keep ReadingShow less
Hasmukh Shah

The certificate was presented to Shah at the Welsh parliament by Anita Bailey, Home Office Director Windrush Unit.

Hasmukh Shah receives UK minister’s certificate of appreciation

A prominent Asian doctor has been recognised for his services to the community. Prof Hasmukh Shah has received a certificate of appreciation for his contribution and services to the United Kingdom.

The certificate was issued by Seema Malhotra MP, UK Minister for Migration and Citizenship, as part of the Windrush Cymru Elders and Race Council Cymru’s Windrush work in Wales.

Keep ReadingShow less
Dalai-Lama-Getty

Dalai Lama looks on as offerings presented by Buddhist followers are laid on a table during a Long Life Prayer offering ceremony at the Main Tibetan Temple in McLeod Ganj, near Dharamsala, India, on June 30, 2025.(Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

India says Dalai Lama alone can decide successor

A SENIOR Indian minister has said that only the Dalai Lama and the organisation he has established have the authority to decide his successor as the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism. The comment runs contrary to China’s long-standing position on the matter.

The Dalai Lama, who fled to India in 1959 following a failed uprising against Chinese rule, said on Wednesday that after his death he would be reincarnated as the next spiritual leader, and that only the Gaden Phodrang Trust would be able to identify his successor. He had earlier said that the next Dalai Lama would be born outside China.

Keep ReadingShow less