A historian has defended a grassroots campaign that has seen English flags displayed across the country. Operation Raise the Colours has seen St George’s flags erected across the nation, in what has been dubbed a “patriotism campaign” by those taking part.
But the timing of the campaign, coming simultaneous to protests outside asylum hotels in cities across Britain have seen critics label the campaign as “racist” to varying degrees. Historian and Royal commentator Rafe Heydel-Mankoo blasted criticism of the movement, arguing that citizens of other countries are not forced to justify celebrations of their nationality. He said: “The English have suffered silently over the years as their identity has been traduced. Their celebrations are frowned upon.”
Speaking on GB News, he argued: “The Scots, the Welsh and the Irish celebrate their culture with great gusto, when the English do it, it’s racist.”
The campaign has seen some councils remove flags placed in public areas, usually on the grounds of safety.
A Reform UK council confirmed that they would be removing a red cross painted on a white roundabout at taxpayers’ expense, saying that it “cannot condone painting highway assets in this way.”
Asked what the Prime Minister’s view is on the councils that have removed the flags, Sir Keir Starmer’s official spokesman said: “I think the PM has always talked about his pride of being British, the patriotism he feels.
“I think he’s talked about that previously, not least recently in relation to the Lionesses’ successful campaign in the Euros.
“Patriotism will always be an important thing to him.”
Asked specifically if he supports the displaying of flags, they added: Absolutely, patriotism, putting up English flags.
“We put up English flags all around Downing Street every time the English football team – women’s and men’s – are out trying to win games for us.”
But not all public figures have been supported of the campaign, with one council leader labelling it as “intimidating”.
Liberal Democrat Nick Ireland, leader of Dorset Council, suggested that the flags have been appropriated by far-right groups to further their political aims.
He said: “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.”
Heydel-Mankoo added: “I’m afraid the English have had enough,” as he claimed that the ongoing campaign is part of a response to years of suppression of English culture.
