'Victimised' pub landlord yanks down Union Jack flag in fury at Labour

By Jon King, News Reporter

Pub landlord takes down Union Jack after being 'victimised' by Labour

A pub landlord has removed a Union Jack from his watering hole in a protest against Sir Keir Starmer.

Guy Richardson of The Bright Star in Luton, Bedfordshire, said he isn't proud of being British anymore despite previously being "incredibly patriotic".

He said that for the first time in 40 years he has removed the Union flag from a pole outside his pub.

Mr Richardson told GB News: "I've got the Union flag. I've also got the Saint George's Cross and I used to fly them proudly. Now, I am just not proud enough of our country."

The businessman said he still feels proud of Britain's history and heritage but claimed his industry is being victimised.

He suggested the costs and burdensom legislation have weighed on business. Mr Richardson told the broadcaster he can't afford to hire more staff and runs his pub single-handedly.

Almost 300 pubs closed last year, the BBPA says (Image: Getty)

The landlord hailed the benefits of pubs for bringing people together and boosting mental health, but warned Sir Keir to open his eyes to the challenges pubs face.

Businesses across the country are preparing for National Insurance contributions to rise from April, along with a hike in the minimum wage. Companies have criticised the changes, blaming them for making it more expensive to hire people.

The latest figures from the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) show almost 300 pubs called time for the last time in 2024.

It reported that there were 289 closures last year, equating to 4,500 job losses.

BBPA Chief Executive Emma McClarkin said the scale of closures is completely avoidable because pubs are doing a brisk trade.

Labour's Budget means costs of £650m for the sector, BBPA says (Image: Getty)

She said: "Consumer demand is there, however, profits are being wiped out with sky high bills and pubs are facing yet more rates and costs come April.

"We’re right behind Labour’s mission to supercharge growth and can deliver this economic boost across the UK, but only if it is easier for pubs to keep their doors open.

"Government must urgently bring in meaningful business rates reform and phase in new employment costs so pubs can keep boosting the economy, supporting local jobs, and remaining at the heart of communities."

The trade body warned that the impact of the Budget will add an extra £650million in costs for the sector.

A Government spokesperson acknowledged thriving pubs are often at the heart of Britain'scommunities and action is underway to support them by introducing a lower business rate from 2026.

They added: "More than half of all UK employers will either see a cut or no change in their National Insurance bills next year, and we’re doing more to support our high streets by tackling anti-social behaviour and empty properties."