Former Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron embraced a flag and declared his patriotism at the party’s conference opening rally in Bournemouth.
“We will not allow our history, our heritage, and our home to be stolen by the poison of nationalism,” the MP asserted, calling on party members to “reclaim patriotism” from the far right.
Farron’s flag, a design associated with Blackburn Rovers football fans, incorporated the St George’s Cross and a Union Jack. Confetti cannons released glitter as “Land of Hope and Glory” played and a large Union Jack was displayed on the screen behind him.
The performance appeared effective, as attendees, often characterized as mild-mannered, rose to their feet, expressing approval with cheers and waving miniature flags.
Farron urged activists to “stop being so flaming squeamish and English” and reclaim the UK’s flags from groups he says seek to “divide and destroy.”
“Be proud of your country, the British flag, and the flags of our four nations,” he stated. “They are ours. They belong to all of us. Let’s take them back. Let’s wave them with pride.”
“Let us reclaim our flags for those who would reunite and rebuild, not divide and destroy, because we will not yield our identity, our flag, or our country, to the nationalists.”
“A Britain that may be broken by the wickedness of hatred, fake news, and isolation, but a Britain that I passionately believe is not beyond healing.”
At the close of his address, the MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale raised a large flag emblazoned with “Pride of Lancashire” and “Rovers til I Die,” demonstrating his support for Blackburn Rovers.
The Liberal Democrats are making a concerted effort this week to position themselves as the authentic patriots, contrasting themselves with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, whom they have termed a “plastic patriot.”
The party has even produced a “plastic patriot” Farage Lego figure, included in a welcome pack for journalists.
This marks a shift for a party that has largely avoided overt displays of national pride.
However, the party’s MPs are keen to challenge Reform and participate in the national conversation, as the St George’s Cross and Union Flag are displayed throughout the UK.
Leader Sir Ed Davey was welcomed by a flag-waving crowd of party activists as he led a marching band through Bournemouth Central Gardens, twirling a baton, in a deliberately patriotic iteration of his signature stunts.
The band, having arrived by ferry from the Isle of Wight, played “Sweet Caroline,” a popular anthem among England football fans, as they stopped in front of the Bournemouth conference center.
Separately, a group identifying as “Bournemouth Patriots” protested outside a hotel housing migrants.
The group stood with national flags outside the Roundhouse Hotel in the town center, where they were met by a counter-protest.
The Lib Dem leader told reporters: “The vast majority of people who’ve got decent values, respect for the rule of law, tolerance, who love our country like the Liberal Democrats do.”
“They want to see a party that is true to British values but will change our country.”
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