Fiery GB News debate over Union Jack flag after Eurovision contestant sparks row

By Katie Harris, Political Reporter

Eurovision: GB News guests clash in debate over flag

GB News guests clashed over the Union Jack flag after the UK's Eurovision contestant branded it “divisive” and “nationalistic".

Olly Alexander sparked controversy for saying he is "ambivalent" about the red, white and blue flag.

The Years and Years singer, who will perform dance track Dizzy in the competition, said he would like to "reclaim" the Union Jack "in a positive way".

During a debate on GB News, Cheryl Baker - who won the 1981 Eurovision Song Contest as part of pop group Bucks Fizz - insisted she was "proud" of the flag.

But comedian James Barr defended Alexander and said he is right that young people should "take back" the flag.

Baker said: "To represent the UK in a competition like the Eurovision, the biggest annual competition in the world, you should be super proud of it and I know I am. I think it's a wonderful thing to have been involved in."

Barr replied: "If you're looking at the Union Jack you've just got to look at the types of networks that drape themselves in the Union Jack flag and you [GB News] are one of them."

Host Patrick Christys interrupted: "It's not stopped you being paid by us for this evening so if you've got that much of a problem with it you can leave."

An exasperated Baker then said: "It's our flag, for goodness sake, every country has a flag."

Referring to tonight's Eurovision semi-final, she went on: "Have a look tonight, the flags are flying of every single country, everybody is proud to support their own flag, why should we be different? Why are we not proud of flying our own flag? I know I am."

Barr responded: "What Olly said is true, he said he's ambivalent to it and wants to redefine what our flag means.

"He's wearing a Union Jack bikini that's what he means by it, he wants to take back our flag for young people."

But Baker replied: "That does not make sense whatsoever. That's nonsense, what does that mean?"

The comedian said: "The only time the Union Jack flag is great is when the Spice Girls are wearing it, when Olly Alexander is wearing it as a bikini or when it's been changed into pride colours.

"That flag represents our country in lots of different ways and Olly's right, it's important we take it back."