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Wednesday, November 30, 2005

Terry White even makes it into the Shropshire Star!

Terry White has even managed to get a less than favourable report in the Shropshire Star.

Anger over Labour official's flag view

Sports fans who carry the flag of St George are tantamount to right-wing hooligans, a Labour Party official has suggested.

The comment was made by Terry White, who works in the party's communications unit, in an e-mail to a member of the public, it was reported today. The man had asked of Labour: "Why is it that as a party you dislike the English so much?" He added: "The Labour Party are trying to wipe England off the UK map."

Mr White was reported to have replied: "It is a fact that the right and extreme right in Britain cloak themselves in the English flag, the cross of St George and claim to be the true representatives of the English.

"Wherever there is a hooligan behaviour, usually linked to extreme right-wing political groups, eg at football matches here and abroad, it is the flag of St George that is displayed."

Outrageous

Conservative MP Andrew Rosindell said: "I find these comments insulting and outrageous.

"People will be very angry to hear what Labour thinks of them and their country," he added.

A Labour Party spokesman said: "We cannot condone these comments and they in no way represent the views of the party. We apologise unreservedly for any offence caused, "We take this matter extremely seriously and will be investigating it thoroughly," the spokesman added.

Last year the country saw a resurgence in the popularity of the flag of St George during England's run in the Euro 2004 football championships, leading to claims the flag had been "reclaimed" from right-wing hooligans.

Shops reported booming sales of flags, which were flown from the windows of homes and businesses and attached to cars and vans.

Supermarket chain Asda sold 38,000 mini England flags in the run-up to the tournament while rival Sainsbury's, an official sponsor of the England team, sold 75,000 giant flags and packs that include a car flag and bumper sticker.