Lib Dems push patriotism revival at Bournemouth conference as Farron waves flag

Opening night of the Liberal Democrat conference in Bournemouth featured a deliberate, patriotic pivot as the party sought to recast itself as the true guardians of national pride. Tim Farron, the former Lib Dem leader, draped himself in an England flag and declared his love for his country, telling activists that "we will not have our history, our heritage, and our home stolen by the poison of nationalism." He urged members to "reclaim patriotism" from the far right and to act with pride as they defended Britain's shared identity.

The theatrics extended beyond the speech. Confetti cannons rained glitter over Farron as the brass soundtrack of "Land of Hope and Glory" swelled, and a giant Union Jack flashed on the screen behind him. Farron said, "Be proud of your country, the British flag and the flags of our four nations. They are ours. They belong to all of us. Let's take them back. Let's wave them with pride." He added, "Let us reclaim our flags for those who would reunite and rebuild, not divide and destroy," and warned of a Britain "broken by the wickedness of hatred, fake news and isolation," but not beyond healing.

The party’s push to own patriotism was part of a broader strategy to present Liberal Democrats as the country's rightful guardians of national symbols, in contrast to Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, whom they have branded a "plastic patriot." A commemorative push included the distribution of a welcome pack to journalists that features a Farage Lego figure, underscoring the party's branding effort. Despite the Lib Dems' reluctance to embrace flag-waving in the past, party MPs have marshaled St George's Cross and the Union flag into appearance across towns and cities.

Leader Sir Ed Davey led a flag-waving procession through Bournemouth Central Gardens, greeted by supporters and a marching band. He appeared alongside a group of activists, twirling a baton in a patriotic twist on his conventional public stunts. The band arrived on a ferry from the Isle of Wight and played "Sweet Caroline" as they paused in front of the conference centre, creating a scene that the party hoped would resonate with voters who cherish national symbols but reject xenophobia.

Outside the Roundhouse Hotel, a town centre lodging used to house migrants during the conference, a small group calling themselves "Bournemouth Patriots" staged a demonstration with national flags. They were met by a counter-protest, reflecting the tense atmosphere surrounding migration and security debates in local communities. When asked about the protest, Davey sought to cast the event in a broader political frame, saying, "The vast majority of people who've got decent values, respect for the rule of law, tolerance, who love our country like the Liberal Democrats do. They want to see a party that is true to British values but will change our country." The comments underscored the Lib Dems’ aim to position themselves as a moderate, inclusive home for patriotism.

In Bournemouth, the Lib Dem leadership signaled that patriotism would be a central thread this week, as the party sought to frame itself as the true proponents of British values and unity while pressing for policy changes. The party has made a point of contrasting itself with Reform UK’s nationalist rhetoric by presenting itself as a modern, inclusive patriotism that values the rule of law, human rights, and openness. The question for Lib Dem strategists remains how much of the flag display, marching bands, and rhetorically loaded symbolism will translate into electoral gains, but the immediate effect appears to be a rebranding exercise aimed at widening the party's appeal beyond its traditional liberal base.

The festival of national symbolism included displays of the flags across the town and in conference venues. It was a deliberate departure from the Lib Dems' past caution about flag-waving, signaling a strategic shift as the party seeks to capitalize on a broader national conversation about identity and belonging. The conference continues through the week as Lib Dem MPs prepare to lay out proposals that would, they say, strengthen the social fabric and uphold British values while pursuing reform in areas such as housing, immigration, and the economy.

The overarching context is that the Lib Dems find themselves navigating a political landscape in which national identity remains a potent and contested issue. While Farage has sought to brand himself as a "patriot" who delivers on immigration and sovereignty, the Lib Dems are betting that a more inclusive, explicitly patriotic message can broaden their appeal among voters who crave national pride without the divisive rhetoric that often accompanies it. Whether the tactic will translate into votes remains to be seen as the party forges ahead with a messaging push designed to cast itself as the defender of British values and unity.