Govt Minister’s clear message: ‘Proud to be British’
With total clarity, Veterans and People Minister Al Carns has cut through the noise and nonsense surrounding the taking down of British flags by councils in Birmingham and London.
As local authorities’ explanations for why they are leaving up Palestinian flags on lamp posts but swiftly removing Union Jacks and St George’s Cross flags grow ever more laughable – “health and safety” was one – the MP for Selly Oak took to X to share his thoughts.
Carns spoke out as the bankrupt council is his own city of Birmingham stood accused of being anti-British and losing its ability to clearly view the poor optics of what appear to be decisions governed by liberal progressive ideology rather than sound judgment.
“Flying the flag for Britain…this flag has been on every operational tour (Afghanistan, Middle East, Africa etc) and most recently on top of the world (Mt Everest). Hoist this flag with pride! #PROUDTOBEBRITISH,” Carns, who served 24 years in the Royal Marines, posted.
No doubt the nameless operatives behind the scenes at Birmingham council and in Whitehall will be furiously slamming their decaf soya lattes down on the tables of their corporate offices when they see this.
This is leadership
Such a simple message so well put by a bloke who lives and breathes the values of the British Armed Forces: duty, integrity, courage, discipline, loyalty, respect, selfless commitment, teamwork.
Those values, combined with years of training and experience, are embedded, so when noise and nonsense like this arise, there’s no equivocation. Having fought for King and Country under the colours of this flag, it is easy for Carns to say he’s “proud to be British.” Indeed, why would he say anything else?
Political leaders nationally and locally take note: This is what leadership looks like.
