The Perfect Holiday Gift Gift Now

Graeme Whitfield

The Journal

|

September 27, 2025

YOU only need to have left their house at some point over the last few weeks to know that flags have become a big thing.

English and British flags are being flown from houses, lampposts and motorway bridges. Red crosses are appearing on roundabouts and bollards, with one wag painting sections in yellow and pink to make it look like a giant Battenburg cake.

I'd love to say that this was an outbreak of support for the England women’s rugby team as it tries to win the World Cup, but I suspect that’s wishful thinking.

Are the people displaying Union flags and crosses of St George simply patriots who are unhappy at the state of the country, or is there a more sinister element to it? The answer to that is probably “both” which makes this new movement so difficult to respond to.

MORE STORIES FROM The Journal

The Journal

Arrests after New Year's Day incident

THREE men have been arrested after a police incident on New Year's Day, at a property in a Newcastle street.

time to read

1 min

January 03, 2026

The Journal

Hume happy to keep home run going for fans

TRAI

time to read

1 min

January 03, 2026

The Journal

PLANT OF THE WEEK

SALIX MOUNT ASO (Japanese Pink Pussy Willow)

time to read

1 min

January 03, 2026

The Journal

Festive U-turn on tax is 'good government'

DOWNING Street denied trying to bury a U-turn by changing inheritance tax policy during the Christmas week, and said the move came after “open dialogue” with the farming sector.

time to read

1 min

January 03, 2026

The Journal

The Journal

Revamp plan for former Metro HQ

THE former headquarters of the Tyne and Wear Metro is in line for major renovations.

time to read

1 mins

January 03, 2026

The Journal

Man charged with causing car damage

A MAN will appear in court charged with causing damage to another person's car on Boxing Day.

time to read

1 min

January 03, 2026

The Journal

No big incomings at Old Trafford in January

RUBEN Amorim says there have not been any conversations about January transfer business as absentee-hit Manchester United prepare for tomorrow's hostile trip to Leeds.

time to read

1 min

January 03, 2026

The Journal

Frank goes on the offensive amid flak

THOMAS Frank knows Tottenham's issues are the “talk of the town” but is confident disgruntled fans will be behind him when he brings success.

time to read

2 mins

January 03, 2026

The Journal

You must have been watching a different game to me!

HOWE FLATLY REJECTS IDEA THAT HIS SIDE WAS SECOND BEST AT BURNLEY

time to read

3 mins

January 03, 2026

The Journal

The Journal

Every school should have a Miss Haydock... how long she'd last, I don't know

Original cast member and North East favourite Denise Welch is back in Waterloo Road as teacher Steph Haydock.

time to read

4 mins

January 03, 2026

Listen

Translate

Share

-
+

Change font size