A row over the St George’s Cross has erupted across parts of the country after several councils removed flags put up by campaigners.
The movement, known as “Operation Raise the Colours,” has encouraged people to display English and Union Jack flags in towns and cities. It has spread to places including Birmingham, York and Bradford.
In Birmingham, people have taken to the streets painting red crosses on roundabouts to resemble the St George’s Cross.
According to the BBC, over £18,000 has been raised to support campaigns in and around Birmingham, and over 4,000 people have also signed a petition calling for the local authority to stop removing the flags – which is sparking controversy.
Some councils have ordered flags to be taken down, saying they were installed without permission or raised safety concerns. But the decision has sparked a strong backlash from residents and politicians who say the St George’s Cross should be treated the same as other national flags.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has also stepped into the debate, backing residents who want to fly the flag. He said people should feel “proud and comfortable” displaying it, calling the St George’s Cross a symbol that “belongs to everyone.”
Critics of the removals include senior political figures. Former Conservative leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said: “It’s pathetic. This is national self-loathing. The flag of St George is the national flag of England and there should be no issue about flying it.”
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp added: “People should be able to fly the St George’s Cross with pride. Councils that are taking them down are out of touch with the public.”
The campaign has led to heated discussions online, with some accusing councils of double standards for removing English flags while other national flags remain in place.
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
He launched Harrow Online in 2010 as a Facebook page sharing local news and information. Since then, it has grown into a trusted source for breaking news, crime, council decisions, planning, transport, business and community stories across the borough.
Harrow Online reaches hundreds of thousands of readers each month and has a social media audience of more than 200,000 followers.
For news tips, press releases or enquiries, contact Chris at info@harrowonline.org.
