The UK Independence Party (UKIP) has said claims that its new party logo resembles a Nazi symbol are "outright offensive".
The far right party has submitted plans for a refresh on its previous yellow and purple £ sign logo - but its new cross has been criticised over its alleged likeness to the Iron Cross, a symbol used by the Nazis.
UKIP, which is led by Nick Tenconi, has insisted the logo is a Cross Pattée, a Christian symbol, The Independent reports.
UKIP's new party logo. Image: Electoral Commission
Sunder Katwala, the director of the British Future think tank, wrote on social media: “Ukip have submitted a new logo and slogan to the Electoral Commission, swapping the £ pound sterling symbol for a cross, that looks very much like it is modelled on the Iron Cross used by Prussia & Germany 1871-1918 and Hitler’s Nazi regime from 1933-45.”
The Iron Cross is a symbol which was used by the Nazi party.
However, UKIP spokesperson responded: “The Cross Pattée has been featured throughout British history and is used as the Victoria Cross, sits on the crown of our monarch, and is also found within the parliamentary logo. Are critics suggesting that the King, parliament and our war heroes are all Nazis?
“It is outright offensive, ignorant and Christophobic to suggest that the Cross Pattée is a ‘Nazi symbol’. The Cross Pattée is displayed throughout Christian religious texts, and these efforts to slander us with vile allegations is simply religious bigotry and discrimination.”