Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has voiced his disapproval of the design of the England shirts for the upcoming European Championship. He specifically pointed out the alteration of the St. George’s Cross, calling for the original white version to be reinstated. Starmer emphasized the unifying nature of the flag and expressed his belief that it should remain unchanged. He also suggested that the price of the shirts should be reconsidered.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak echoed Starmer’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of preserving national symbols like the St. George’s Cross. Sunak highlighted the significance of national flags as sources of pride and identity, suggesting that they should not be tampered with.
Former UKIP leader Nigel Farage joined the debate, condemning the alteration to the St. George’s Cross as an “absolute joke.” He argued that the new design bore no resemblance to the original flag, further adding to the criticism surrounding the controversial change.
In response to the backlash, Nike defended the new design of the England shirts, describing it as a modern interpretation of a classic. The company highlighted the historical inspiration behind elements of the design, such as the trim on the cuffs that pays homage to England’s 1966 heroes. Nike emphasized the incorporation of traditional colors in a contemporary way.
The debate over the England shirts extended to the pricing, with adult shirts listed at £124.99 ($157) and children’s shirts at £119.99 ($151). This sparked further criticism, with calls for a reevaluation of the pricing strategy to make the shirts more accessible to fans.
As the controversy surrounding the England shirts continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether any changes will be made to address the concerns raised by political figures and the public. The clash of opinions reflects the deep-rooted significance of national symbols and the sensitivity with which they are perceived. Ultimately, the debate serves as a reminder of the power of symbolism in shaping collective identity and pride.