The British public have apparently had to foot the bill to stroke the ego of visiting bigot, fraudster, and sexual abuser Donald Trump. At least, that’s according to Nick Farley, who is the managing director of Flag Consultancy. The company receive government contracts for ceremonial events.

Before Trump’s lackeys intervened, Farley contend that American flags used on previous state visits were set to be used. However, Farley told the Telegraph that:

The Americans decided that the red we use, which is called R01, wasn’t right for them, and that they wanted a cherry red instead, so we had to buy all new flags for this visit.

Perhaps Trump wanted more of a bloody red

Farley then explained that the requested change meant that the red of the American flag was brighter than the red of the butcher’s apron, otherwise known as the Union Jack.

Farley suggested that perhaps the colours on the American flag had faded from being in storage. He said:

One part of their flag is red. And the one we had in storage was closer to a russet colour, and let’s just say they were unhappy. That’s the problem with flags that are not commonly flown: it is our interpretation versus their interpretation.

The Guardian mused that:

If confirmed, the switch of flags, would underline the extent to which Trump was indulged by the UK during his unprecedented second visit.

Well, that’s one fucking way to put it.

£52k indulgence

At a time when food bank use is skyrocketing, it’s an absolute disgrace that such a huge amount of public funds has been spent on indulging a rabid racist. Perhaps the red that both American and British governments could do with dwelling on instead is the Palestinian blood spilt when US and Israel-backed aid distributers shoot at starving people.

Or, they may wish to focus on how, after 50 years, only now is a Bloody Sunday perpetrator facing trial.

If they’d like another option, perhaps they could focus on the red of flares used by young protesters across the Global South fighting corruption and a manufactured cost of living.

Another shade of red to focus on is the red that will be front and centre in the Palestine flags proudly flying across the UK as we push back against the political cowardice and moral depravity of attempts to halt the flotilla carrying aid to Gaza.

Failing that, maybe they could consider for a second the red mist that will undoubtedly descend on those of us outraged that buffoon Trump has cost the public purse so much money with his ill-timed visit to the UK.

Featured image via Unsplash/Sue Winston

By Maryam Jameela

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