Bournemouth,UK – In a striking departure from its traditionally moderate stance,the Liberal Democrats are actively courting patriotic sentiment,spearheaded by a forceful appeal from tim Farron to embrace national symbols. During his address to party activists, Farron urged members to “stop being so flaming squeamish and English” and “reclaim” the UK’s flags from groups he accused of seeking to ”divide and destroy.”
The speech was accompanied by theatrical displays, including a rendition of “Land of Hope and glory” and the projection of a giant Union Jack onto a screen behind Farron. The response was enthusiastic, wiht attendees rising to thier feet, cheering, and waving hundreds of miniature flags.
Farron emphasized that the flags of the UK and its four nations “belong to all of us,” stating, “Let’s take them back. Let’s wave them with pride.” He continued, “Let us reclaim our flags for those who would reunite and rebuild, not divide and destroy, as we will not yield our identity, our flag, or our country, to the nationalists.” He expressed optimism for a “Britain that may be broken…but a Britain that I passionately beleive is not beyond healing.”
In a personal touch, Farron concluded his speech by displaying a large England flag emblazoned with “Pride of Lancashire” and “Rovers til I Die,” referencing his support for Blackburn Rovers football team.
The Liberal Democrats are positioning themselves as the authentic patriots, contrasting this with Reform UK leader Nigel farage, whom they have labeled a “plastic patriot.” This branding extends to a “plastic patriot” Farage Lego figure included in press packs.
Party leader Sir Ed Davey further underscored this shift with a visibly patriotic demonstration, leading a marching band through Bournemouth Central Gardens, twirling a baton while the band played “Sweet Caroline.”
The move comes amidst a backdrop of heightened national symbolism across the UK and follows protests, including one by a group calling themselves “Bournemouth Patriots” outside a hotel housing migrants, which was met by a counter-protest. Davey asserted that the Liberal Democrats represent the values of the majority, stating, “They want to see a party that is true to british values but will change our country.”
