Outrage as Union Jack blunder in election broadcast sends 'distress signal'

The Conservative Party's broadcast has sparked widespread outrage after eagle-eyed viewers spotted a major Union Jack blunder.

In the clip, which has raked up over 800,000 views, the flag is seen flying upside-down - an internationally recognised distress signal.

The clip sparked an immediate backlash, with Britons branding the blunder an "insult" to the nation.

Writing on X, the site formerly known as Twitter, one user said: "What an insult.

"The Union Jack is upside down in your party political broadcast. Indicates a ship in distress. Well after today's poll, the Tory ship is sinking fast."

If you cannot see the video above, please click here.

Presenter Carol Vordeman commented: "The Union flag... it's upside down... meaning 'we're in distress,'" accompanied by a series of laughing emojis.

Another user wrote: "This is the worst thing I've EVER seen. Serious question, did you get sixth-form students to do this for you? It's embarrassing!"

Channel 5 presenter Jeremy Vine, commenting on the incident on his daily show, said: "Maybe getting attention is the main thing.

"If Ed Davey falls off a paddle board, people talk about it. Is that what this is about?"

Rishi Sunak's efforts to keep the top job in Number 10 have been met with a series of obstacles – with the return of Nigel Farage on the political scene the latest blow to the party.

Mr Farage announced plans to contest the seat in Clacton-on-Sea after becoming the new leader of Reform UK. He had previously stated he would not run in the July 4 General Election.

A new YouGov poll released on June 3 showed Labour projected to win by a landslide 42.9 percent against the Tories's 24.5 percent.

According to the survey, Keir Starmer could be on track to win 422 seats – four more than Tony Blair's New Labour snatched in the 1997 General Election.

Mr Sunak's Conservatives are projected to secure only 140 seats, with 12 Cabinet ministers potentially facing the axe next month.