# Ex-BBC star slams broadcaster in furious Union Jack flag 'hijacking' row

**By:** Bethany Whittingham  
**Published:** 2026-08-18T16:23:00+01:00  
**Source:** [Daily Express](https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/2240312/ex-bbc-star-slams-broadcaster-furious-Union-Jack-flag-row)

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Tensions were rising in the GB News studios.

A GB News guest exploded in a furious UK 'hijacking' row (Image: GB News)
A former BBC journalist has slated his former employer in a furious UK flag "hijacking" row live on air. On Monday (August 17), GB News presenter Martin Daubney returned to the airwaves for his mid-afternoon show, where he discussed the biggest issues facing the country. It didn't take long for things to turn tense as he welcomed former BBC reporter Danny Kelly onto the show to debate the new finding that shows British pride has plummeted in recent years.

The expert also claimed that the British flag has been "hijacked" by right-wing Brits as he fumed over the growing decline in national pride. The broadcaster began the debate by simply asking: "Are you proud to be British still?" to which he replied: "Yes, I'm tremendously proud to be British, Martin, but I'll tell you what infuriates the hell out of me."

'The BBC are partly responsible for perpetuating this rubbish.'

Former BBC Journalist Danny Kelly reacts to new findings showing pride in Britain has plummeted, and addresses claims the British flag has been 'hijacked' by the right-wing. pic.twitter.com/CKIdZVFiTU
— GB News (@GBNEWS) August 17, 2026

 

It was at this point that he shared his disappointment in British pride after returning from his summer holiday. He began: "I've just come back from Greece, where there are Greek flags flying everywhere.

"The year before, I was in Turkey, and there were Turkish flags flying everywhere. You don't get dopy, lefty liberals telling you that it's racist to fly flags in Greece or Turkey.

"Do you know what? We are suckers because about 40 or 50 years ago, some progressive left-winger all of a sudden decided to come up with a lie that the Union Jack, which is flying beautifully on our television screens, has been hijacked by the far-right."

"It's a complete lie, it's a fallacy. You name me another country in the world where the far-right has hijacked the national flag! Not in Greece, not in Turkey, not in the United States, where the left-wing will fly the national flag."

He argued that the BBC are partly to blame for the lack of national pride (Image: Getty Images)
The broadcaster went on to argue that the BBC are partly to blame for the continued lack of national pride. He went on: "And the BBC are partly responsible for perpetuating this rubbish.

"Just remember, Naga Munchetty in 2021, who openly mocked and ridiculed the Union Jack. When GB News decided to open up the Breakfast show with the national anthem, believe you me, they would have sneered.

"They would have ridiculed, they would have looked down their noses at GB News in the BBC world, they really would. They've done nothing to help this." It didn't take long for viewers to flock to the comments to share their frustrations online.

One user penned: "The British flag has been demonised by the far-left!" as another agreed: "Danny Kelly... well said [three applause emojis]." Meanwhile, a third argued: "Pride in Britain is a thing of the past. Right-wing racist propagandists flood the airwaves with hate like it's their favourite topic.