Campaigners believe the flags have been erected following an online movement called “Operation Raise the Colours” and HopenotHate claims this is linked to extreme far-right activists
Thousands of England flags that have been put up in cities and town across the UK have been pulled straight down as a row continues to erupt about the reason behind them being there. St George’s cross flags were seen along the A1206 on the Isle of Dogs in east London and in Birmingham throughout this week but have since been removed by local councils.
Red crosses have also been painted on roundabouts, zebra crossing and other white road markings. Campaigners are alleged to have attached the following an online movement called “Operation Raise the Colours” and HopenotHate has claimed those linked to the activism are extreme far-right activists.
During the Lionesses Euros campaign in July, a lot of flags were raised in support of the eventual winning team and streets in the Birmingham areas of Weoley Castle and Northfield had a mixture of the St George Cross and union jacks hanging from every lamppost.
The vast majority of comments on the Weoley Castle Community Facebook page were supportive of the move but the activity has also stirred concern and suspicion amid claims those responsible are seeking to stir up division between white British residents and other communities.
Downing Street recently said the Prime Minister is “absolutely” supportive of people who put up English flags; however, the prominence of the flags has posed a dilemma for Birmingham’s council, who have said they intend to remove ‘unauthorised attachments’ on lamp-posts as part of a ‘programme of works to improve street lighting’ in the city.
They have stopped short of coordinating a mass removal.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham suggested last week that individuals painting the crosses might be ‘seeking confrontation’.
Speaking on BBC Radio, he commented: “You can obviously display a flag if that’s your choice but I don’t know, I do wonder about the times we’re living in. If people want to display it, fine on their own property, but I don’t think you’ve got the right to go out and paint public property.”
Some people suspect those responsible are politically motivated and are seeking to stir up division between white British residents and other communities.
Birmingham resident Nazia said she respected the pride so many felt in the flag.
She said: “But for others, especially minorities like myself, it’s become harder to separate that pride from the undertone of nationalism that sometimes comes with it.
“I’m not against people celebrating their identity or showing support during national events. But I think we all have a responsibility to understand how those actions are perceived by others—especially in a city as beautifully multicultural as Birmingham.
“We’re lucky to live in a place where so many cultures, languages, and communities come together. That should be something we protect, not divide.”
A spokesperson for HopenotHate said: “There is nothing wrong with raising the Union Jack or cross of St George. Despite what people claim on social media, it’s not illegal to be proud to be English or British! It’s also true that not everyone who has raised a flag is far right.
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