It has the red cross of Saint George ( patron saint of England ) , edged in white , on top of the Cross of Saint Patrick ( patron saint of Ireland ) , which are on the Saltire of Saint Andrew ( patron saint of Scotland ) . It consists of the red cross of Saint George ( patron saint of England ) , edged in white , superimposed on the Cross of St Patrick ( patron saint of Ireland ) , which are superimposed on the Saltire of Saint Andrew ( patron saint of Scotland ) .