The Prime Minister released a message on Thursday to mark St George’s Day.
Keir Starmer (Image: Getty)
Keir Starmer at No10 reception (Image: Getty)
Sir Keir said: “The quiet British patriotism: people contributing, pulling together, looking out for one another, is what makes us stronger…
“That is the patriotism I believe in. Not performative, not divisive, but fair, respectful and proud.”
Even the preamble to his message mentioned Britain three times, with the PM vowing to “strengthen Britain’s resilience at home and abroad”.
“Britain is being tested on two fronts,’ the release continued, and talked of a visit to a community centre today, at which Sir Keir will say that only through ‘supporting integration can Britain defeat the poison of populism”.
St. George’s Day being commemorated in England (Image: Getty)
They have criticised history being taught through “a progressive lens” and said a new curriculum would be implemented in their first 100 days of Government if they were to be elected.
It argued that the subject should reflect a “patriotic history of the British Isles” without being framed in “modern narratives”.
Reform wants pupils in England to cover events such as the Magna Carta, the Wars of the Roses, the English Civil War, the Glorious Revolution, the Act of Union, the Enlightenment and Victorian Britain.
These are all topics which fall within the time periods covered already in GCSE history by exam boards across England.
Keir Starmer’s message in full
“A volatile world is testing our resilience, at home and abroad.
“Abroad, we must be clear about our values. That’s why I wouldn’t let Britain get dragged into a war in the Middle East. And at home, we must build resilience in our communities. Because strong communities are the bedrock of our national security.
“And let’s be clear, there are two types of forces working against that. Hostile foreign actors deliberately trying to stir up hatred and even violence. And, here at home, those who exploit division for their own ends instead of working to heal it.
“I will stand up to both. Because the quiet British patriotism: people contributing, pulling together, looking out for one another, is what makes us stronger.
“We saw that clearly during the riots. A mindless minority brought violence and disorder onto our streets. But the overwhelming majority chose a different path. Standing together, protecting their communities, and showing the best of this country.
“That is the patriotism I believe in. Not performative, not divisive, but fair, respectful and proud.
“That is why, at this moment of deep global instability, we must be absolutely clear about who we are. Because how we respond now will shape this country for decades to come.
“That means when people try to hijack our flag to spread hate, we should call it out for what it is: plastic patriotism that corrodes the very bonds that tie us together.
“It also means backing the mainstream majority of people in this country: the decent, tolerant people who want to get on and build a stronger country, and it draws a hard line against extremism in all its forms.
“I know what the flag of St George stands for. It stands for decency over division. Unity over hate. And a country where patriotism is measured by what you put in, not what hate you stir up.
“Those are the values I will always fight for.
“And that is the job of this government: to strengthen our communities, to confront those who seek to divide us, and to make sure Britain remains a country that is united, resilient and secure.”