One of the great things about the Jubilee celebrations, and, I guess, the Olympics, is that gradually the Union Jack has been taken back into our hearts.

For most of my life it has been seen as an embarrassment – something that was only waved by BNP extremists and generally nutters. It was only when Ginger Spice wore that Union Jack dress on one of the Spice Girl’s videos that it started to be seen as something that might just be acceptable.

Last year I started to see Union Jack designs on a few bags, purses, crockery and the like, probably because of the Royal Wedding. This year, though, there’s been a quiet explosion of homeware and fashion with the design. It seems like it has finally been brought back into the mainstream. At last!

It’s about time too. So many other countries wear their flags with pride. Aussies and Kiwis have always been massively proud of their countries and their flags, wearing them on t-shirts and waving them about for any excuse. Mexico City airport has a huge Mexican flag to greet visitors. Icelandic people are enormously proud of their country and have their flag all over the place. In America, ordinary houses have the flag flying from a balcony or upper window.

You can be simply proud of your country without being prejudiced and jingoistic. It’s not healthy to be embarrassed by one’s country or culture or flag. So long as everyone who lives here and particularly those that are born here and want to take part in the culture are included, it can be a binding factor, not a divisive one.

The more normal people use the flag and the more manufacturers and retailers use it on everyday goods the more it will be taken away from extremists and the more it will have a good affect on the country.

So get that bunting out! I have put mine all over my biggest window and I love seeing it around town. Whether you’re into royalty or not, at least be into your country.