‘The English have had enough!’ Historian lashes out at critics as St George’s flags line streets in show of patriotism

"The English have suffered silently over the years as their identity has been traduced. Their celebrations are frowned upon," he stated during the broadcast.

The historian highlighted what he perceives as inconsistent standards, claiming: "The Scots, the Welsh and the Irish celebrate their culture with great gusto, when the English do it, it's racist."

His comments emerge amid widespread displays of St George's flags across England, which have sparked controversy and debate about patriotic expression.

The controversy follows a surge in St George's flag displays throughout England, with thousands of flags appearing on lampposts and some individuals painting the red cross onto road infrastructure.

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Nick Ireland, leader of Dorset Council, characterised the proliferation of flags as "intimidating" in comments to the BBC. The Liberal Democrat councillor suggested that far-right groups had appropriated St George's flag to advance their political objectives.

"It would be naive to pretend otherwise that the St. George's flag has been co-opted by certain far-right groups to promote their agendas. We will not be encouraging division in our communities," Mr Ireland stated.

Similar sentiments were expressed by Richard Parker, Labour's West Midlands mayor, who advocated for patriotic displays to be conducted safely through coordination with public authorities.

Mr Heydel-Mankoo expanded on his critique, asserting that English national identity has faced systematic disparagement over recent years.

"For many years, the English never valued their flag as much as other countries," he explained, adding that recent decades have seen increased attachment to the flag following "attacks on our identity and attempts to elevate other cultures."

The historian expressed frustration at perceived inconsistencies, stating: "We've seen children sent home for wearing British flags but we've seen councils flying Palestine flags for months without taking it down, yet it takes days to take down these English flags. That sticks in the craw."

He concluded emphatically: "I'm afraid the English have had enough," suggesting that the current wave of flag displays represents a response to years of perceived cultural suppression.

"Other cultures are celebrated, English culture is denigrated," he maintained.

The debate extends beyond Mr Heydel-Mankoo's comments, with anti-racism campaigners expressing concerns about the motivations behind the flag displays.

Sabby Dhalu, joint secretary of Stand up to Racism, suggested the phenomenon was "being encouraged by far-right groups" with the intention of making "refugees, immigrants and people who were born here but have family from a different country, feel unwelcome."

Council leader Ireland emphasised that his definition of patriotism involves "working hard to improve the lives of our communities, holding our institutions to account and making sure we live up to our values."

He urged residents to express pride appropriately, noting that unauthorised painting of roundabouts creates "a regrettable expense that would ultimately fall on taxpayers."

The flag displays have appeared across various locations, including Grantham's Earlesfield area and bridges spanning the A1.