Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer demands Nike change England kit amid St George's Cross row

Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, has asked Nike to change the design of the St George's Cross on a new England football shirt back to its traditional colours. His call has come amid a row over the design for strip, which will be worn at Euro 2024 this summer.

Nike had changed the cross to purple and blue stripes in what they called a «playful update» to the shirt. It is said the change is inspired by the training kit worn by England's 1966 World Cup winners.

Sir Keir, an Arsenal fan, told The Sun: «I'm a big football fan, I go to England games, men and women's games, and the flag is used by everybody. It is a unifier. It doesn't need to be changed. We just need to be proud of it.»

He added: «So, I think they should just reconsider this and change it back. I'm not even sure they can properly explain why they thought they needed to change it in the first place.»

Some football experts and fans have criticised the design and cost of the shirt since it was launched earlier this week. An «authentic» version costs £124.99 for adults and £119.99 for children while a «stadium» version is £84.99 and £64.99 respectively.

Sir Keir also asked Nike to lower the price. A Nike spokesperson previously said: «The England 2024 home kit disrupts history with a modern take on a classic.»

«The trim on the cuffs takes its cues from the training gear worn by England's 1966 heroes, with a gradient of blues and reds topped with purple. The same colours also feature an interpretation of the flag of St George on the back of the collar.»