Britain Faces Up to an Uneasy Relationship With Its Own Flags

The article discusses the complex relationship between Britain and its national flags, particularly the St George's Cross. In the town of Stevenage, the St George's Cross is prominently displayed on the balconies of flats and outside pubs. Near a hotel housing asylum seekers, passers-by stop and stare at the flags, and children point them out. The article suggests that the display of the national flag in Britain can be a contentious issue, as it is often associated with nationalism and can be seen as unwelcoming to immigrants and minorities. The presence of the flags in Stevenage, a town with a diverse population, highlights the ongoing debate around national identity and the role of symbols in shaping public perceptions. The article offers a nuanced perspective on the complex relationship between Britain and its national flags, suggesting that the display of these symbols can be a source of pride and unity, but can also be interpreted as exclusionary by some segments of the population.