The UK Independence Party’s (UKIP’s) newly proposed logo features a symbol social media users say is similar to the ‘Iron Cross’ used by Germany during World War I and II.

The right-wing populist political party filed two applications with the Electoral Commission to change its logo on Friday (9 January) for all of Great Britain, and also Northern Ireland.

The proposed emblem, displayed on the Electoral Commission’s application website, features a cross pattée in front of a spear and shield, with text next to the symbol that reads: “UKIP: The New Right.”

The symbol has been compared by many social media users to the Iron Cross, a military decoration first used by the Kingdom of Prussia and later used by the German Empire during WWI and Nazi Germany in WWII. Though it differs in design as it has a border too.

The symbol, originally designed as a military award for bravery in battle, has since become synonymous with neo-Nazi and white supremacist groups. It is designated as a hate symbol by the Anti-Defamation League.

However, the cross pattée in itself is a type of Christian cross, which has been used since medieval times.

A UKIP spokesperson told The National that the new logo “features the holy lance, the Eucharist and the Cross Pattée, to show UKIP’s commitment to reinstate Christianity into the heart of government”.

They added: “It is outright offensive, ignorant and Christophobic to suggest that the Cross Pattée is a ‘Nazi symbol’.”

Referencing the apparent new logo, one user on X said: “It’s ever so slightly concerning…”

Someone else said: “UKIP go completely mask off. The cross is obviously the huge red flag but a f****** weapon on a political party logo? Don’t forget the axe and sticks is the reason we call these vermin fascists.”

On Facebook, one user said: “Makes it pretty clear where they would have stood in the 1930s.”