Gareth Southgate calls for unity amid concerns of division in Britain
Gareth Southgate has urged the country to rediscover its sense of unity, admitting he fears Britain has become increasingly divided, reports BritPanorama.
The former England manager made his comments during an interview with the BBC, reflecting on the implications of the St George’s Cross and the Union Jack, which have stirred national debate in recent months.
Displays of flags have surged across the UK, prompting mixed reactions among the public. While some view these banners as symbols of pride and patriotism, others see the trend as alarming.
Earlier this year, flags were notably displayed on lampposts and roundabouts, which led Lewis Neilsen from the campaign group Stand Up to Racism to characterize the rise as “really dangerous.” The initiative, known as Operation Raise the Colours, has sparked a nationwide discussion about national identity and belonging.
Southgate, who led England to a World Cup semi-final and two European Championship finals, underscored the need for compassion and togetherness in light of these developments. “I worry about unity,” he stated. “I have seen what we did with the team unify every community.”
He emphasized that the nation has more elements in common than those that drive division, referencing the collective efforts observed during the coronavirus pandemic, where individuals often helped one another in their local communities. “People rallied around; that is what the British spirit is about,” he added.
When questioned about the perceived increase in division over recent years, Southgate remarked, “That feels the way, but we have an opportunity to change that narrative.” He pointed out how significant moments in football foster a sense of pride and unity across communities, noting, “When I travel around, that’s what people talk to me about.”
Reflecting on his tenure as national team manager, he addressed the disconnection that existed prior to his time and how football can serve as a unifier. “We had a huge disconnection with the team when we started, and eight years on, we have had some incredible nights and some incredible memories created,” he noted. “They are the things we should focus more on.”
Southgate’s appeal for calm comes amid rising tensions related to flag displays. An incident in Norwich highlighted these issues when a 68-year-old man reported being assaulted while attempting to remove an English flag from a lamppost. He described being attacked by a group, and although the police were called, they later dropped the case citing a lack of suspects and evidence. The man expressed disappointment over the decision, suggesting the inquiry was abandoned prematurely.
This situation illustrates the complex interplay between national symbols and community sentiments, a reminder of how swiftly the dialogue around identity can shift and the responsibilities that accompany such symbols in public spaces.
