By now you’ve probably noticed that there are St. George’s flags appearing all around the country: outside people’s homes, on flyovers, walkways, and even painted on roundabouts and pedestrian crossings everywhere.
It began with the Lionesses and their UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 triumph last month, but the feeling now is that ‘Operation Raise The Colours‘ has been co-opted by ‘far-right’ groups who want to send a message regarding immigration in the UK and most specifically, the issue with asylum seekers being housed in hotels.
One guy who’s definitely on board with this POV is Dorset Council leader Nick Ireland, who has described the uptick in St. George’s flags around the country as ‘intimidating’.
Addressing this ‘explosion of patriotism’, the Liberal Democrat councillor told the BBC: “It would be naive to pretend otherwise that the St. George’s flag has been co-opted by certain far-right groups to promote their agendas. We will not be encouraging division in our communities.”
In his view, there’s an “underlying tension in the campaign that has been hijacked by people whose views, for me, are completely unacceptable. For me, patriotism means working hard to improve the lives of our communities, holding our institutions to account and making sure we live up to our values.”
Nick Ireland also noted that repainting roundabouts is a “regrettable expense that would ultimately fall of taxpayers”.
Stand up to Racism’s joint secretary Sabby Dhalu is in agreement: “It’s being encouraged by far-right groups and it’s designed to make refugees, immigrants and people who were born here but have family from a different country, feel unwelcome.”
Can’t help but think there’s a smarter approach from the council, government and action groups when it comes to this issue. They should say that it’s a fantastic idea to have St George’s flags on pedestrian crossings and mini roundabouts, as they love England and support the passion shown by the people painting the roundabouts. However, it’s dangerous to tamper with road markings! Not to mention standing in the middle of the road to do some DIY painting in the first place.
Maybe the council could commit to painting one mini roundabout with a St. George’s cross in every town and village across the country to placate this lot? At least it would look quite nice and neat, unlike some of the ones we’re currently seeing. Like this one which looks more like a Danish flag, for example:
Oh well, it’s the thought that counts…
Does this reaction from the government/local councils reveal a spot of hypocrisy, though? After all, these randomers are just doing what others have been doing with LGBT flags and Palestine flags for the last couple years. Of course, the motive behind each symbol is important, but who’s to say for sure whether these St. George’s flags are a show of hate and racism, or just patriotism?
The saga continues…
For the man who tore down a Palestinian flag in Tower Hamlets, London, sparking a massive road rage fight, click HERE.
