Tom Harwood rips into Sadiq Khan's London fireworks display over EU symbolism: 'Foreign flag before our own!'

But as 12,000 fireworks shot into the sky and music blared through the speakers, the display also incorporated images of flags to promote - in Mr Khan's words - "hope over fear (and) unity over division".

It took under two minutes for the first use of a flag to appear, as the stars of the European Union filled the London Eye.

The moment arose during a lookback at this year's sporting heroics from some of England's sports teams, with Europe's Ryder Cup victory being referenced at the time.

But despite the fact that it appeared while reminiscing about sport, viewers were quick to express their anger at the EU flag being shoehorned in so early in the display.

And Good Afternoon Britain presenter Tom took to X to express his own surprise: "Um what is this? A foreign flag before we see our own? Ouch."

When some social media users inevitably replied to defend Mr Khan's decision, Tom hit back: "I’ll never understand the mindset of people so desperate to subsume the authority of our own Parliament under a foreign authority.

I’ll never understand the mindset of people so desperate to subsume the authority of our own Parliament under a foreign authority.

Normally that’s only something you do after losing a war. And yet some people want to do this voluntarily. https://t.co/GDNOUI4YmQ

— Tom Harwood (@tomhfh) January 1, 2026

"Normally that’s only something you do after losing a war. And yet some people want to do this voluntarily."

Mr Khan similarly used X to voice his opinions on the display, addressing the naysayers who criticised the use of flags in the annual event.

The London Mayor penned: "Hope over fear, unity over division. As we head into 2026, our New Year’s fireworks lit up the skies with a clear message about the importance of togetherness. Hope you enjoyed the show."

Tom was far from the only person unimpressed with the display, especially when, later in the display, flags from across the globe filled the London Eye while a voiceover read a poem of what the "real England" meant to them.

"Here's what England means to me - the real England. When it's sunny, it's too hot. When it's cold, the weather's rubbish," the narration began.

"England to me is a cup of tea. How many sugars? I'm sweet enough. England, to me, is Caribbean barbers with a sharpish trim.

"It's Christian neighbours saying Happy Hanukkah, mate, and Muslim mums saying Merry Christmas, love.

"And you think you're seeing flags now? Wait until the World Cup's on. Then you'll know about flags, my son.

"Because this is what England means to me. It's about loving each other no matter what colour you are, where you're from, or who your God is. Because this is England. This is the United Kingdom."

As the words rang out and the flags filled the sky, social media was simultaneously alight with complaints.

"Why can't the London NYE fireworks just be that without propaganda? Can they give it a rest for just one day?" one X user questioned. "It's more global than British."

A second echoed: "London fireworks: Women’s football, pink fireworks, Wicked, Muslim, world flags. Well done for a fireworks to appeal to all voters and exclude half the country that won’t vote Labour…… Sabrina Carpenter, Coldplay and no Oasis. Blatantly f***ing over half the country."

"I turned off as soon as the EU flag appeared. Deliberately divisive," a third weighed in before a fourth hit out: "@MayorofLondon what an absolute disgrace with the EU flag being shown in the London eye!! #LondonFireworks."

Elsewhere, a fifth fumed: "The London fireworks display was such a crucial showing of political conditioning... showing the EU flag which disrespects our sovereignty... It is so clear why actual working class Brits are waking up #LondonFireworks."

And a sixth also complained: "Turned on the TV to watch the London new year fireworks. What happened... American music, promotion of the Wicked 2 movie, reference to the EU and multiculturalism. But nothing about the UNITED KINGDOM." (sic)

However, there were several at home who applauded Mr Khan's efforts and the messaging used within the display.

"Hate fireworks, but love seeing idiots enraged over a few flags and stars. Well done London. #LondonFireworks," one person remarked, while a second applauded: "YESSSS! Shout-out to the EU in the London fireworks." (sic)