News Desk

London MEP Syed Kamall has branded a proposed new law to have the EU flag on all England shirts as madness, and angrily warned a Labour MEP who is backing the move to not "meddle" in the national game.  

The Labour MEP Nessa Childers has called for the EU flag to be printed on all European nations' football shirts in future World Cups and thinks that the rules should apply at all major sporting events.

London MEP, Syed Kamall speaking to the London Daily News said:

"Can you imagine England fans watching the team going onto the pitch with the three lions and the EU flag! Londoners love football and love England, and they don't want Brussels meddling in their favourite game," said Mr Kamall. He has criticised the Irish MEP's suggestion and has called on Londoners to make their feelings clear."

"Nessa Childers thinks it would help to unite Europeans saying that sporting events have more potential "to instil a sense of pride in Europe than all directives and regulations put together". If the idea was put into practice, British athletes' could also wear the EU flag at the London 2012 Olympics."

No one was flying a European Flag because as Londoners we support England.  We want white flags with red crosses, not blue flags with yellow stars."  "We are a proud city and nation and should be able to celebrate that."

"Many people in Britain feel a greater affinity to Commonwealth countries than continental EU member states.  We would not dream of requiring teams from Commonwealth countries to wear the Commonwealth flag either.   This latest idea from Brussels smacks of empire building," added Mr Kamall.