Sir Keir Starmer with Fara Williams at Haverstock School 

WE will have all seen the Union Jacks on the Labour pamphlets, placards and podiums in the run up to July 4.

But will Sir Keir Starmer really be cheering on England to glory at the Euros?

Over the next fortnight, politics and football will be vying for the public’s attention.

A huge spike in national pride from Gareth Southgate’s side winning the tournament, starting tomorrow (Friday) in Germany, is perhaps the only thing that can save Rishi Sunak’s Conservatives from a historic defeat.

Labour has made national identity a cornerstone of his campaign for Number 10. He has promoted a “full-throated backing of promoting patriotic values” as part of his project to distance himself from previous leaders, in particular Jeremy Corbyn.

On St George’s Day in April, Mr Starmer said that “patriotism is a force for good” and an important driver for getting children active.

At an event in Haverstock School about widening access to football for young girls, he said that “only by harnessing pride and patriotism” could the country reverse a “damaging decline” in access to sport among young children.

There are many things to be proud of about this country. The National Health Service. Our history, traditions, culture and literature. This wonderful melting point of cultures that makes up our little plot in Camden.

But if we want a country to be truly proud of, it is going to take a lot more than a bunch of politicians waving flags in our faces and promoting an acceptable face of nationalism.

A nation to be proud of would not have hundreds of homeless sleeping out on the Camden streets each night.

It would not have hundreds of families living in decaying social housing and chronically overcrowded homes.

It would not have worn-out teachers in a two-tier education system and children unable to afford basic equipment and books.

It would not have huge queues at the food banks.

It would not have struggling NHS workers pleading for pay rises.

It would not have plaques going up around Camden about wildlife disappearing to a burning earth.

It would not have miscarriage of justice victims being denied compensation.

We would not have problems accessing public services that have been cut to the bone. Or huge profits being made from companies from the public purse.

These are just some of the issues raised in the paper this week. They are issues that are raised pretty much every week.

And until this relentless news cycle is broken, it’s hard for a lot of people to feel too patriotic right now.

So come on then England, bring it home. And then over to you Mr Starmer.