UK flags

subscribe for more **St George's Cross and Union Jack flags are being hung on lamp posts across England as part of "Operation Raise the Colours," a grassroots campaign started in August 2025 to express national pride.** [1][5] ## Campaign Origins The movement began in areas like Birmingham's Weoley Castle and Northfield, led by groups such as Weoley Warriors, who used social media and crowdfunding to buy flags, poles, and ties for public displays. [1][4] It spread to cities including Worcester, Bradford, Newcastle, and Norwich, with participants using ladders and cherry pickers to attach flags prominently. [1][7] ## Motivations and Controversy Supporters describe it as celebrating English history, freedoms, and achievements amid a sense of nationalism, though a YouGov poll found 50% of respondents viewed it as expressing anti-migrant or anti-ethnic minority sentiment. [4][5] Critics link it to far-right protests near asylum hotels and rising immigration tensions, seeing the flags—historically used in such contexts—as potentially divisive. [2][6] ## Council Responses Local councils like Birmingham and Tower Hamlets have removed flags from lampposts citing safety risks during LED lighting upgrades and maintenance, sparking protests and accusations of selective enforcement. [1][2] Regulations treat flags like ads, requiring landowner permission; Union Jacks and St George's flags often don't need planning consent but can't compromise public safety. [1][3] As of late 2025, displays continue in many areas despite removals for Christmas lights. [5][7] Citations: [1] Why have thousands of St George's flags gone up in cities and towns? https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c626vxyxgj6o [2] Why are St George's flags being put up and roundabouts ... https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/british-flags-country-taken-down-b2810264.html [3] Cut down flyposting, not our national flag https://www.birminghamconservatives.org.uk/news/calls-labour-focus-cutting-down-flyposting-not-our-national-flags [4] Why have flags started appearing across the UK? https://news.sky.com/story/why-have-flags-started-appearing-across-the-uk-13419255 [5] Operation Raise the Colours https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Raise_the_Colours [6] The St. George's flag is springing up around England. Is it a symbol of proud patriotism or weaponized nationalism? https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/29/uk/st-george-flag-england-meaning-intl [7] Protest after council says it will take down flags https://downendvoice.co.uk/2025/10/27/protest-after-council-says-it-will-take-down-flags/ [8] The questions about St George's and union jack flags ... https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx271162ee3o [9] From Patriotism to Paranoia: The Fight Over England's Flag https://www.shoutoutuk.org/2025/09/16/from-patriotism-to-paranoia-the-fight-over-englands-flag/ [10] What's with all the England flags tied to lamp posts down ... https://www.facebook.com/groups/81885929850/posts/10162946162759851/