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Activist Imarn Ayton's criticism of the St George's flag has been hailed as "petty" in a GB News debate over patriotism displays in London's Tower Hamlets. On today's show, commentator Doctor Mike Jones said any debate of the British flag is "pathological" and "petty" while he was discussing the decision by Tower Hamlets Council to remove the flags.

Clapping back at his comments, Ayton said the flag of St George "excludes everyone", unlike the Union Jack. The flags were flown in Tower Hamlets as part of the 'Operation Raise the Colours' patriotism campaign - but it's sparked a nationwide debate. Addressing the display of flags, Jones said: "I'm very proud to be British, the Union Jack is an iconic flag. It represents the continuity of the crown, the historic achievements of the British people and the uniting of distinct nations under one banner.

"But let's be clear about one thing: when people raise or wave or don the Union Jack, they're not trying to make an academic point about history. They're expressing pride in their nation, in the homelands their families grew up in, and there's nothing wrong with that."

However, Ayton argued that the flags should be "chosen wisely" to show patriotism for Britain.

She added: "I think that every country in the world should have pride; we all need pride. But we should pick our flags wisely. Let's just be clear, the British flag is the Union flag, that's the truth.

"It represents all countries, it represents the Commonwealth, it represents the British overseas territories, whereas St George's flag does not; it excludes everyone because it only represents England. It doesn't represent Scots, it doesn't represent the Welsh and it doesn't represent Northern Ireland."

Jones noted: "What's surreal is that we're having this debate at all, in almost any other country it would be considered absurd, even pathological.

"I think flying the flag is an inherently good thing, and the people who are offended by this are a very small number."

A spokesperson for Tower Hamlets Council said: "While we recognise people wish to express their views, we have a responsibility to monitor and maintain council infrastructure where flags are attached to council owned infrastructure without permission, they may be removed as part of routine maintenance".