DEOT

Battle over Flags reflect deep societal rifts, and what Britain can learn from Israel before its flag becomes a tool of internal destruction enabling far right rise to fascism. As Israel’s delay deepened the divide; in Britain, early action could prevent it.

Imagine this: you’re standing in a bustling square, the national flag flying high above. Does it warm your heart as a symbol of unity, or has it been turned into a political weapon by extremists? This isn’t a fantasy - it’s the reality in Britain and Israel in 2025. In Israel, the far-right co-opted the flag, only for liberals to fight to reclaim it; in Britain, the right is seizing the St George’s Cross and Union Jack against pro-Palestinian protesters and immigrants.

This op-ed aims to expose how battles over symbols reflect deep societal rifts and what Britain can learn from Israel before its flag becomes a tool of internal destruction. An answer to a question raised on the "New Statesman" Podcast "Has the English flag been co-opted by the far-right?" with @Anoosh Chakelian and @HarryClrke.

Read, share, and join the conversation - Because silence hands victory to extremism.