St George's flags appearing on Birmingham streets.

SIR Keir Starmer today criticises populists who "exploit" the England flag to incite violence, division and threats to our democracy.

The Prime Minister states that Britain is "at a crossroads" and must shun the path of "division and decline", opting instead for the "patriotic path of national renewal".

British Sovereigns & Bullion - Quality Coins Await You! - In an article for The Sun on Sunday, he expressed understanding towards the frustration that led over 100,000 Brits to participate in the 'Unite the Kingdom' demonstration last week. However, he lambasted Elon Musk and Tommy Robinson for attempting to manipulate this anger to fuel violence, racial hatred and division on Britain's streets.

He writes: "I know what a source of pride our flag can be, and what it means to people."

Which makes it all the more shameful when people exploit that symbol to stoke anger and division. "I know people feel angry that the country they love doesn't seem to work for them...but a small minority see instead an opportunity to whip up hatred."

Over 100,000 Brits - many waving union flags or St George's flags - attended last week's march in London, which had been praised by Tommy Robinson.

Musk addressed the demo via videolink and told the crowds: "Whether you choose violence or not, violence is coming to you. You either fight back or you die."

Criticising Musk and Robinson, the PM says: "When populist politicians, convicted criminals, and foreign billionaires take to the stage to encourage violence, make racist comments, and threaten our democracy, it casts a dark shadow of fear and violence across our society."

The country is being dragged into a toxic spiral of division and hatred, which benefits them.

"But their vile lies are not good for the country.

"But it's not between ordinary people who simply want a better life for their families."

"It's between patriots who care about our country, and populists who only care about themselves."

His scathing remarks represent his most severe critique yet on populism and will ignite a fierce dispute with the world's second wealthiest man.

In recent months, thousands of Brits have started to hoist the union flag and the St George's flag on lamp posts in their local areas.

This "flagging" represents a surge of patriotism and frustration at the illegal immigration crisis.

The Sun on Sunday understands that the PM will elaborate more on his vision for a patriotic Britain later this week.

ED - Starmer's in a world of his own. England's flag is the emblem of peace, hope, healing and faith. His Union flag is the flag of dominion, war, genocide and hatred. He's getting his wires crossed.