BBC Breakfast: Thornberry quizzed on England kit controversy
BBC Breakfast fans took to social media to air their frustrations this morning after Charlie Stayt interviewed Labour MP Emily Thornberry about a divisive piece of news. It comes after Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer slammed the FA and Nike for changing the St George’s flag on the England football team’s shirts.
Nike’s decision to change the flag on the back of the shirt was described as a “playful update” by the US manufacturer, but a lot of people didn’t feel that way. The new design sees the traditional red and white cross replaced by navy, blue and purple stripes.
Sir Keir insisted the original colours were “unifying” and called the St George's “something to be proud of”. After pictures of the new uniforms sparked a heated debate, Charlie spoke about the issue with Labour MP Emily on BBC Breakfast.
He said: “You will probably be aware of the issue around Nike changing the colours of the flag on the England shirt.” When he asked Emily for her thoughts, the politician appeared slightly incredulous.
“I think it’s a bit weird,” she admitted. “I mean, I think the England flag is the England flag. Why has it got all these other colours in it?
“Imagine putting a bit of purple on the Irish tricolour or something? I mean, why would you do it?
“Why can’t we just have the England flag?” she reiterated. “The England flag, as Keir has said, is a symbol of unity for our country.
“Particularly at a time when we’ve been going through everything we have, there have been some great moments when our country’s come together and the England flag’s been there.
“Why are we messing around with it? I don’t understand.”
Taking to X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, several viewers blasted the interview for being “pointless”.
Carla wrote: “I finally agree with Emily over the england flag after watching an agonising interview #BBCBreakfast.” (sic)
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Ben complained: “Seriously what a pointless question. Stayt is normally good value. Not here.”
“I think there are more important things that could be discussed,” Naureen argued, before adding: “What a baseless question.”
Tony commented: “Why are we even discussing it? Obviously, there are no other pressing issues that will actually impact people's lives.”
“There are more important things to discuss,” Stuart insisted, while Roberto asked: “This is madness that this is even a question… Why do people care?”
BBC Breakfast airs daily from 6am on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
