Cornish Nationalists campaign for flagless World Cup

By irgmcdonald | Wednesday, June 02, 2010, 17:05

Cornish nationalists are urging supermarkets to limit the use of the St George's flag during the world cup as it represents "hatred, persecution, domination and occupation" to Cornish people.

Do you want to see less of this... Photo by sk8geek on flickr.
...and more of this? Photo by foshie on flickr.

One shop in Falmouth has already stated they are ignoring the request but didn't want to be identified, as they fear their windows may get smashed. Is this ridiculous or a real issue?

Colin Roberts from Bewnans Kernow, an organisation that represents a group of Cornish cultural companies told the West Briton:

"History will show that England has treated Cornwall with contempt for daring to be different. Indeed, during the Civil War, Cornwall at times fought both sides in the war as it waged its own war of independence.

"We are not calling for a total ban, just some measure and proportion in recognition of the deep distress that this time is causing us."

He also said that he'd be supporting Australia in the World Cup as they are the "most Cornish side in the event".

What do you think? Are you offended by the St George's Cross or are you going to be flying one? Does the thought of England fill you with hatred? As ever, let us know in the comments.

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Comments

This is always a contentious topic. We had a very similar debate on truropeople a few weeks ago. http://tinyurl.com/2c8gquq

@Davetnt, I recognise you from that discussion. You make an interesting point here by comparing the concept of English Nationalism vs Cornish Nationalism.

How does everybody feel about the talk of banning England shirts in pubs and bars? Facebook groups are still going mad about it.

By chris_wasey at 22:44 on 02/06/10
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England doesn't fill me with hatred, I just don't identify with it. To me the English flag is just like the Scottish flag, or the French flag, or the Kanyan flag. To me it is just someone else's flag - I'm indifferent to it. It is only the wacko extreme minority that would go around slashing it, so please don't tar all of us with the same brush.

By davetnt at 20:18 on 02/06/10
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Their windows would not get smashed, Cornish nationalism is progressive and open to other views, seeking equality as a British nation, unlike the right-wing xenophobic English nationalism which seeks to isolate England and anyone who isn't white.

By davetnt at 20:11 on 02/06/10
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