Union Jack underpants

Re: my blog the other day about Tam Dalyell’s comments on the impossibility of awkward Labour parliamentary candidates being chosen. As if by magic, an article has appeared on Labour List today to illustrate the point. Here is what Labour’s ideal candidate under Starmer looks and sounds like today. Our hero is Mike Tapp, PPC for Dover. ‘He served in army intelligence where he deployed on 3 operational tours, and at the National Crime Agency and the Ministry of Defence working against serious and organised crime and in a counter terrorist role.’ Mike has this to say: As the Labour Party, we find ourselves at a crucial juncture in our nation’s history. It is not only an opportune moment to reaffirm our commitment to the values we hold dear, but also to reclaim the British flag and iconic symbols from the far-right fringes that have attempted to monopolise them. It’s clear that Keir Starmer has embraced this and we, as a party, must continue to move in the right direction with him.’ ( 'From the flag to the white cliffs, Labour must embrace the symbols of Britain' - LabourList | Latest UK Labour Party news, analysis and comment )

I think I know what the ‘right direction’ means here, no need to elaborate. It is a little disappointing though to hear an ex-serviceperson having to say we have to wrap ourselves in the flag to prove our patriotism. We would do better to improve the country. We would do better to demonstrate our love of our country by challenging those in our midst who would, for example, up sticks at the first hint that we might equalise the rates of capital gains tax with those of income tax (which of course we are not proposing). Or that we might give greater credit status to workers rather than any others when companies go bust. Or—well the list is endless, but the point is no-one seems to challenge the lack of patriotism amongst those with bank balances hidden behind the panoply of shell companies, offshore accounts and the like.