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UK Debate Intensifies: Motives Behind England Flag Campaign
Organisers say they are just being patriotic but some suspect far right is behind ‘dangerous’ lamp-post movement Community efforts to display England flags spark controversy amid rising tensions. A community initiative led by the Wythall Flaggers has successfully raised over £2,000 with the aim of adorning the Worcestershire village with England flags. The group insists that their patriotic efforts are not rooted in racism, emphasising support from people of all ethnicities. Despite these assurances, not everyone is on board. Recently, a video surfaced showing an elderly couple removing a flag from a lamppost, sparking heated online debate and accusations of them being “traitors.” In the wake of England’s triumph in the Women’s European Championship, which united the nation under the St George’s Cross, similar campaigns have gained momentum. These efforts are intended to reignite a sense of national pride, yet they bring concerns about potentially increasing divisions amidst a backdrop of anti-migrant protests and growing far-right activity. Operation Raise the Colours, a group promoting the display of national flags across towns and cities, claims to promote pure patriotism. Social media platforms are abuzz with users sharing advice on sourcing flags and flagpoles, with the enthusiasm spreading rapidly in areas like Walsall, Coventry, and Redditch. However, anti-racism advocates like Lewis Nielsen from Stand Up to Racism have voiced apprehensions, suggesting that this movement might serve as a veil for deeper racial tensions. He warns that the current political climate could allow the far-right to exploit these patriotic displays for their agenda. The controversy escalated in Birmingham when plans to replace lampposts with LED lighting signalled the removal of flags. While the city council flies the union flag proudly, they clarified that lamppost attachments are routinely removed for maintenance and safety reasons. This action has provoked outrage among self-described patriots, particularly after the London borough of Tower Hamlets, a significant site for anti-migrant protests, confirmed that they would remove St George flags. Conversely, 12 councils under Reform UK's control have pledged to keep the flags up, citing them as symbols of unity and inclusion. In response, Tower Hamlets Council reiterated their responsibility to manage council infrastructure, removing unauthorized items as part of routine maintenance. Meanwhile, Keir Starmer’s spokesperson reiterated the prime minister’s support for the country's flags, though admitted unfamiliarity with specific local incidents in Birmingham and Tower Hamlets. Operation Raise the Colours continues to grow, with organisers praising the rapid increase in supporters. The group's message is clear: they encourage large-scale, organised displays of the national flags to bolster community spirit. This development keeps the debate alive as communities and authorities attempt to balance expressions of nationalism with concerns about fostering division. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Guardian 2025-08-21 -
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UK-Asylum crisis Asylum Update: Migrants in Hotels Rise, Deportations Increase
Labour-run councils are among those considering legal actions against hotels housing asylum seekers The number of asylum seekers temporarily housed in UK hotels has seen an 8% rise under Labour compared to the same period last year, according to the latest Home Office data. Despite this yearly increase, recent months indicate a slight reduction, with numbers dropping from 32,345 in March to 32,059 in June 2025.The government's expenditure on asylum has also decreased, standing at £4.76 billion for the fiscal year 2024/25—a 12% reduction from the previous year's record of £5.38 billion. Amidst these figures, Labour-run councils are exploring legal challenges against the continued use of hotels for asylum seekers, as authorities seek alternative solutions. Carol Dean, leader of the Labour-controlled Tamworth Council, mentioned that the council is "carefully assessing" potential legal actions and described this as a "potentially important legal precedent." Similar actions have been suggested by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, who called on Tory councils to emulate the successful legal challenge by Epping Forest District Council. Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, has also urged his party's councils to pursue legal avenues. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasised that the current Labour administration inherited a "broken immigration and asylum system" and highlighted efforts to increase the return of failed asylum seekers while reducing related costs. She pointed to a 30% increase in deportations and an 11% cut in asylum expenses as evidence of progress. Cooper stated, "We inherited a chaotic system... but have since strengthened visa and immigration controls. With the reduction of the backlog by 18% and reforms to the asylum appeal system, we aim to restore order and end the inefficient use of hotels." The Home Secretary also noted a 48% decrease in work visas, and outlined plans for further stringent visa controls. Upcoming initiatives include a pilot program with France, enhanced counter-terror measures, and new asylum process reforms expected later this year. "As we roll out these reforms, we are committed to taking necessary steps to ensure a fair and controlled system," Cooper added, pointing towards a more robust approach to managing immigration and asylum in the UK. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Independent 2025-08-21 -
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Ukraine Russia launches biggest wave of strikes on Ukraine for weeks
Ukrainian cities hit as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict gain momentum. Ukraine has faced one of its most intense bombardments in recent weeks, with Russian forces launching 574 drones and 40 missiles, Ukrainian officials report. The attack resulted in one death in the western city of Lviv and injured 15 in the southwestern Transcarpathia region. This escalation occurs as US President Donald Trump spearheads diplomatic moves to negotiate an end to the war. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha emphasised the importance of ending the conflict, especially considering the recent strikes. President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed willingness to engage in direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in neutral settings such as Switzerland or Austria. While open to various formats, Zelensky dismissed Budapest due to its political ties with Moscow, stating it was not ideal. The possibility of direct negotiations emerged after Trump met Putin in Alaska and hosted Zelensky and European leaders at the White House. Initially, Trump proposed trilateral talks but later suggested that direct discussions between Putin and Zelensky might be more productive. Ukraine’s air force announced successfully intercepting 577 of 614 airborne threats during the overnight assault, marking the most significant air attack since July. Unlike previous attacks focused on eastern regions, this offensive targeted western areas, with a mix of hypersonic, ballistic, and cruise missiles. In Lviv, missile strikes damaged over 20 civilian structures, including residential homes and a nursery, resulting in one fatality and injuries to three individuals. In Mukachevo, a US electronics plant that produces household goods was struck, leaving 15 wounded and highlighting the attack's widespread impact. Despite the prospects of peace talks, Zelensky acknowledged Moscow has shown little genuine intent to engage in meaningful negotiations. He reiterated his reservations about Budapest as a host city, pointing to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's close relations with Moscow. In the face of ongoing diplomatic discussions, military tensions continue as Russian troops reportedly mass in the southern Zaporizhzhia region. Zelensky reported movements of forces from Kursk to Zaporizhzhia, suggesting continued conflict on the ground. As diplomatic and military developments unfold, the international community remains vigilant, hopeful for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The BBC 2025-08-20 -
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UK Lucy Connolly to go FREE after outrage !
Lucy Connolly, 60, was jailed for 31 months for a tweet she posted on X following the Southport terror attack in which three children were killed. Lucy Connolly, the woman imprisoned for inciting racial hatred following a tweet about the Southport terror attack, will be released today. Connolly, married to Conservative councillor Raymond Connolly, received a 31-month sentence for her incendiary online post following the attack in which Axel Rudakubana murdered three children. Her controversial tweet called for mass deportations with violent language, inciting outrage and amassing over 310,000 views in a few hours before it was deleted. She was found guilty of inciting racial hatred by publishing and distributing threatening material online. Her sentence in October last year sparked heated debate over free speech and whether the punishment fitted the crime. The Prime Minister faced questions regarding Connolly's sentence, and whether it was a fair use of judicial resources. Sir Keir Starmer stood by the court's decision, stating that while the UK values free speech, incitement to violence cannot be tolerated. "Sentencing is a matter for our courts, and I celebrate the fact that we have independent courts in this country," he remarked. He added, "But I am equally against incitement to violence against other people." Connolly's appeal against her sentence was rejected, sparking criticism from free speech advocates and public figures who deemed her imprisonment excessive. Lord Young of Acton, founder and director of the Free Speech Union, described her incarceration as a "national scandal," emphasizing the disparity in consequences faced by others who have made similar statements without legal action. The incident underscores the ongoing debate over the balance between safeguarding free speech and addressing hate speech, as well as the consistency of legal repercussions for online comments. Connolly's case has been highlighted by some as an example of disproportionate punishment in comparison to other instances where public figures have avoided similar legal consequences. Her release coincides with a development surrounding Axel Rudakubana, the Southport attacker, who regained certain privileges in prison after a violent encounter with a guard. This has further fueled public discourse on justice and the comparative punishments administered for different crimes. As Connolly leaves prison, discussions about her case and the broader implications for free speech continue. The conversation remains focused on how society can both protect the right to express opinions and enforce measures against incitement to violence. The outcomes of Connolly's case may have lasting effects on how similar cases are addressed in the future, potentially influencing legal frameworks and public opinion on the boundaries of acceptable speech. Connolly's story also highlights the power and impact of social media in shaping public discourse and legal outcomes, as one tweet led to significant legal consequences and a broader discussion on freedom of expression. As she steps back into her community, many will be watching to see how her release impacts ongoing debates about justice, free speech, and the responsibilities that come with digital communication. Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Guardian 2025-08-20 -
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Crime Man Thought to Be British Accused of Car Theft Attempt in Phuket
Cant be a scouser they only steal hub cap's -
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Israel Hamas War the Widening Middle East Conflict
"The IDF lies in order to justify their mass murder (30 babies, beheaded and put in the oven) " Waste of time, of course you cant provide a link to what is untrue. I'm done with your excuses. This was disproven many months is off topic and was "Never" claimed by the IDF
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