UK St George's Flag Intimidating & Linked to 'Unacceptable Views'

[CharlieH]

 

Controversy grows over the use of national symbols and their impact on communities.

Nick Ireland, the Liberal Democrat leader of Dorset Council, has described the St George's Cross as "intimidating" and claimed it has been "hijacked" by far-right groups to promote their agenda. This statement fuels the ongoing national debate over the flying of English flags.

 

Ireland asserts that genuine patriotism involves improving communities and holding institutions accountable. However, the appropriation of the St George's Cross and Union flag by extremist groups has led some locals to feel threatened.

 

Flags have been prominently displayed on bridges, lampposts, and buildings through an online campaign known as Operation Raise the Colours. This initiative, which includes painting red lines on zebra crossings and roundabouts, has led to conflicts with councils that are removing these displays over safety concerns.

 

The controversy began when Birmingham City Council announced plans to remove hundreds of flags from lampposts. Since then, the movement has spread to other cities, including London.

 

Ireland emphasizes the importance of displaying flags at home or community events rather than in public spaces where tensions may arise. He highlighted that some symbols, like the red crosses on roundabouts, are road safety hazards that the council must address.

 

In contrast, Kemi Badenoch, Conservative Party leader, criticized councils for removing St George's Cross flags, labeling it "shameful" and accusing them of selectively enforcing rules. She advocated for the flags as symbols of unity and national pride, especially with events like VJ Day approaching.

 

Writing in the Daily Mail, Badenoch pointed to councils' perceived hesitation to address other symbols, such as Palestinian flags, accusing them of advancing a sectarian agenda.

 

Earlier this week, Downing Street expressed support for displaying English flags, with the Prime Minister showcasing pride in British patriotism. Sir Keir Starmer’s spokesperson reiterated the importance of patriotism, referencing national successes like the Lionesses' Euros victory.

 

As debates continue, the role of national symbols and their impact on community dynamics remain at the forefront, reflecting broader societal tensions and the ongoing discussions about national identity.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Express 2025-08-23

 

 

[Gsxrnz]

Never mind raising your national flag being viewed as a revolutionary act, even voicing your opinion about pork smallgoods is now a crime in the Peoples Free Democratic Socialist State of Great Britain. 

 

 

[phetphet]

24 minutes ago, CharlieH said:

 

Ireland asserts that genuine patriotism involves improving communities and holding institutions accountable.

Isn't that what those flag wavers are trying to do? 

 

All these recent demonstrations about criminal boat migrants swamping their communities, elevating crime, including rape and sexual assaults, causing a drain on social and public services are a demand to the government to do something about.

They are all criminals on arrival, having broken immigration laws.

 

The public have been appealing to successive governments for years, and nothing has been done. So now they are demanding. Do something about it, or we will vote for someone who will.

 

Out of touch government fools. Quick to stir up national pride when they want someone to fight their wars though.

[brewsterbudgen]

"Earlier this week, Downing Street expressed support for displaying English flags, with the Prime Minister showcasing pride in British patriotism. Sir Keir Starmer’s spokesperson reiterated the importance of patriotism, referencing national successes like the Lionesses' Euros victory."

 

The PM is right about this.  

[mikeymike100]

Flying the 'English' flag is showing patriotism, as the 'Stars and Stripes' does in the USA.