The Prime Minister has faced criticism for not flying the St. George's Cross outside Downing Street during England's World Cup group matches, a departure from a tradition upheld by previous prime ministers. Critics, including Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, have branded the Prime Minister a "plastic patriot" and "unpatriotic."
Previous prime ministers such as David Cameron and Theresa May routinely flew the England flag on match days during the tournament's group stages. Cameron enshrined the tradition in 2010, and May stated in 2018 that Downing Street would fly the flag on each of England's match days, encouraging other government departments to do the same. Boris Johnson also flew the St. George's Cross during Euro 2020 and for England's Women's Euro 2022 victory. Rishi Sunak similarly decorated Number 10 for the 2023 Women's World Cup final.
In contrast, this year, Downing Street's support for the team has so far been limited to an Instagram post featuring Larry the Cat with an England flag and a World Cup ball. A Downing Street spokesperson had previously indicated plans to fly the flag during knockout stage matches and noted that the same approach would have been taken for the Scottish Saltire had Scotland qualified.
The decision not to fly the flag earlier in the tournament comes amid advice from some local councils urging residents not to hang flags, citing concerns about community cohesion and the need for permission. Authorities in Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, and Shropshire have encouraged residents to fly flags at home rather than on lampposts or signs.
England is set to face the Democratic Republic of the Congo in their first knockout round on July 1, having finished top of Group L. Scotland was eliminated from the tournament after failing to advance from the group stage. Downing Street has been contacted for further comment.