Patriotism is about more than just flags, says Nowak

In late August, a group of people armed with flags and ladders took to Brighton city centre.

- BY ROS WYNNE-JONES

Flags of St George and Union Jacks went up on lampposts and were attached to shop signs. Contractors removing them in line with the Highway Act were subjected to verbal abuse. Yesterday TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak, at the Brighton conference, had a message for flag protesters, who have been linked to anti-migrant hotel demonstrations.

He said: "I understand people take pride in the Union Jack, in the St George's Cross, the Saltire and the Red Dragon.

But he added said: "Patriotism is about much more than flags.