Former Little Mix member Jade Thirlwall has declared she would remove a St George’s flag from the Angel of the North if she had access to a ladder, speaking during her album launch celebration at the iconic Gateshead landmark.
The South Shields-born singer made the statement whilst addressing hundreds of fans who had gathered in heavy rain for the surprise event promoting her debut solo album called That’s Showbiz Baby.
Speaking at the event, she said: “I just want to say, today I found out that there was a St Georges flag on The Angel of the North and I just want to say that if I had a ladder, I’d pull it down.
“I’m very proud to come from the North East. I’m a product of immigration and one of the best things about the North East is our diversity.
“It’s our cultural hub, our respect for each other, being proud of our neighbours and celebrating that.
“In South Shields, where I grew up, we has a strong Yemeni community. That’s my heritage and my ancestry.
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“I’m incredibly proud of that, and I’m so grateful for all of my neighbours and friends I grew up with, who never once made me feel othered as a child.
“So I just want to say, before I go, that we thrive through multiculturalism. We thrive together.
“That’s what the Angel of the North represents. Whatever is hanging up there right now, of course we should be proud to be British but being British means so many different things.
“And I just want to leave you with that.”
The Angel of the North is the latest landmark targeted in a nationwide campaign which has seen Union Jacks and St George’s Crosses proudly hung across buildings, roundabouts and even lampposts.
Officials say they understand the pride and passion behind the displays, but insist flags that pose safety risks or cause damage will be taken down.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has condemned councils for removing the flags, branding their actions “shameful.”
She said: “After years of politicisation by those who seek to diminish England’s culture and Christian heritage, it is encouraging to see English flags flown proudly as symbols of unity, nationhood and optimism.”
Last week Prime Minister Keir Starmer told the BBC: “I’m very encouraging of flags. I think they’re patriotic and I think they’re a great symbol of our nation.
“I don’t think they should be devalued and belittled. I think sometimes when they’re used purely for divisive purposes, actually it devalues the flag.
“I don’t want to see that. I’m proud of our flag.”