Flags in your town?

[Glenn.]

If you were unfortunate enough to fall victim to the vandalism of the “patriots” hanging flags around your town, tell me, have they been replaced since they were hung or are they tattered remnants blowing pitifully in the wind like they are around where I am?

Was wondering what the “patriots” plans were in replacing them as they are supposed to be proud to fly the flags but not their upkeep.

[Parmy]

All I get is birthday wishes hung around mini roundabouts.

[Benjamin]

It’s a shame that when I see English flags being strewn about now I don’t associate it with English Pride.

[Glenn.]

If the “patriots” really cared about the flag and the country they’d surely want to keep them looking nice.

Almost like they went up for other reasons.

[Oliver_W]

Yeah they get replaced when vandals ruin them.

[Cherie]

Not got any flags in our road, or in the area around, just one house on a main road has a flag pole with a Union Jack and it looks nice fluttering away

[Livia]

Yes, got a few UJs and St George's flags around the local town, one or two in the local village. Not nearly as many flags as when we visit my husband's family in Texas, but there, you don't get many people using the word 'patriot' as a slur. Wonder how many people fly the.Australian flag in Australia and whether that would be so offending?

[Glenn.]

Yes, got a few UJs and St George's flags around the local town, one or two in the local village. Not nearly as many flags as when we visit my husband's family in Texas, but there, you don't get many people using the word 'patriot' as a slur. Wonder how many people fly the.Australian flag in Australia and whether that would be so offending?

You’re mixing two different things and pretending they’re the same.

No one’s offended by a flag existing. People take issue when it’s used performatively, pushed into every public space for a short burst, then left to rot on lampposts like a forgotten prop. That’s not patriotism, it’s a gesture with no follow-through.

Places like the US or Australia have a more consistent, everyday relationship with their flags. They’re maintained, replaced, and treated with a bit of respect. That’s why it doesn’t stand out in the same way. Here, when they go up en masse for a moment and then sit there tattered for months, it sends a completely different message.

And as for the word “patriot”, it’s not being used as a slur out of nowhere. It’s because some people have turned it into a label for exclusion rather than something inclusive. If you want it to land differently, the behaviour attached to it has to change.

Flying a flag isn’t the issue. What you do around it and after the moment passes is what people are actually reacting to.

[Livia]

Wasting your time.

[Glenn.]

No more than your “I’m ignoring you” act.

Why are you even in this thread. Go away and “ignore” me.

If you’ve got nothing to say on the actual point, don’t bother replying. Calling it a waste of time while avoiding it entirely just proves you’ve got no answer. Classic Livia.

[Parmy]

A tattered old union jack fluttering in the wind sums up the state of the nation.


A good idea to leave them up as a symbolic gesture.

[Glenn.]

See how the goalposts get moved when they’re held accountable.

[Oliver_W]

The bloke behind the Raise the Colours campaign actually getting arrested for "causing alarm and distress" by simply displaying our national flags is a bit ridiculous.

[Livia]

The bloke behind the Raise the Colours campaign actually getting arrested for "causing alarm and distress" by simply displaying our national flags is a bit ridiculous.

Isis flags and swastikas cause me distress. My own flag fills me with pride. Strange which one gets you arrested.

[Parmy]

The bloke behind the Raise the Colours campaign actually getting arrested for "causing alarm and distress" by simply displaying our national flags is a bit ridiculous.

A more serious moving of the goalposts.

[Glenn.]

The leader of a flag campaign group has been arrested on suspicion of causing religiously and racially aggravated harassment.

[Oliver_W]

The leader of a flag campaign group has been arrested on suspicion of causing religiously and racially aggravated harassment.

Flags being present isn't a form of harassment.

[Cherie]

he leader of a flag campaign group has been arrested on suspicion of causing religiously and racially aggravated harassment.

Ryan Bridge is the co-founder of Raise the Colours, which has put up hundreds of union and Saint George flags across England and attracted criticism for spreading anti-immigrant rhetoric. He was arrested on Tuesday and released on police bail the following day.

In recent days, the Raise the Colours group has posted several videos of its members erecting flags in Oxfordshire. On Monday, Oxfordshire county council issued a legal notice banning the group from putting up flags, arguing it was an “act of intimidation and division”.

In a video posted on Facebook after his release, Bridge said: “I’ve just been let out – 18-and-a-half hours for a public order section 5 causing people alarm and distress. The world’s gone mad.

“Me putting the flag up in my country is causing alarm and distress to certain members of the public. It’s an absolute disgrace … we’ve got to march on, we’ve got to fight on. We’ve got a fight on our hands.”

Ryan Bridge from Raise the Colours speaks during a protest in Crowborough, East Sussex in January.
Ryan Bridge from Raise the Colours speaks during a protest in East Sussex in January.
He said his bail conditions included a ban on visiting Oxfordshire.

Thames Valley police confirmed that a 44-year-old male from Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, was arrested at about 8.40pm on Tuesday.

In a statement, the police said: “Last week, Thames Valley police launched an investigation following reports of incidents of public order offences on Abingdon Road, Oxford.

“Officers are investigating those public order offences and have arrested a 44-year-old man from Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, on suspicion of causing racially and religiously aggravated harassment, alarm or distress. He has been released on police bail.”

Oxfordshire county council issued a formal legal notice to Raise the Colours on Monday to “stop a specified activity” in response to the group’s “continued placing of flags across Oxfordshire”.

The leader of the council, the Liberal Democrat councillor Liz Leffman, said the “scale and persistence of this activity is affecting communities across Oxfordshire” and residents have reported feeling “distressed, unwelcome and unsafe”.

“The widespread installation of flags by Raise the Colours is not a sign of patriotism. It is an act of intimidation and division that is having a real and damaging impact on our communities,” Leffman said.

“Our teams removing the flags, together with residents who have challenged the individuals installing them, have been subject to abuse and threatening behaviour. This is totally unacceptable.”

The council said it would consider all options, including civil and criminal proceedings, if the group did not comply with the letter.

Raise the Colours has been contacted for comment.


:laugh2:

The snowflakes have well and truly melted

[Crimson Dynamo]

and residents have reported feeling “distressed, unwelcome and unsafe”.


:joker:

[rusticgal]

What a complete joke....:joker:

[Cherie]

And Glenn wonders why the flags aren't being replaced? because its likely if they are replaced they will be arrested and who needs that :shrug:

[Cherie]

and residents have reported feeling “distressed, unwelcome and unsafe”.


:joker:



In Oxfordshire, that bastion of multiculuralism :laugh:

[Glenn.]

And Glenn wonders why the flags aren't being replaced? because its likely if they are replaced they will be arrested and who needs that :shrug:

:joker: yes Cherie I’m sure that is the reason :joker:

[Cherie]

:joker: yes Cherie I’m sure that is the reason :joker:

Glad you agree...a criminal record for hanging a flag ...This is what England is now ...the jokes on you

[Glenn.]

That’s what happens when you rile up a group of racists to hang flags under the guise of patriotism.

The fact that this ten minute trend has been forgotten and the flags have been left to rot by the same “patriots” just proves that.

No one is offended by flags. Unless it’s a rainbow one of course.

[Parmy]

That’s what happens when you rile up a group of racists to hang flags under the guise of patriotism.

The fact that this ten minute trend has been forgotten and the flags have been left to rot by the same “patriots” just proves that.

No one is offended by flags. Unless it’s a rainbow one of course.



You could always donate to their upkeep.

[Cherie]

he leader of a flag campaign group has been arrested on suspicion of causing religiously and racially aggravated harassment.

Ryan Bridge is the co-founder of Raise the Colours, which has put up hundreds of union and Saint George flags across England and attracted criticism for spreading anti-immigrant rhetoric. He was arrested on Tuesday and released on police bail the following day.

In recent days, the Raise the Colours group has posted several videos of its members erecting flags in Oxfordshire. On Monday, Oxfordshire county council issued a legal notice banning the group from putting up flags, arguing it was an “act of intimidation and division”.

In a video posted on Facebook after his release, Bridge said: “I’ve just been let out – 18-and-a-half hours for a public order section 5 causing people alarm and distress. The world’s gone mad.

“Me putting the flag up in my country is causing alarm and distress to certain members of the public. It’s an absolute disgrace … we’ve got to march on, we’ve got to fight on. We’ve got a fight on our hands.”

Ryan Bridge from Raise the Colours speaks during a protest in Crowborough, East Sussex in January.
Ryan Bridge from Raise the Colours speaks during a protest in East Sussex in January.
He said his bail conditions included a ban on visiting Oxfordshire.

Thames Valley police confirmed that a 44-year-old male from Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, was arrested at about 8.40pm on Tuesday.

In a statement, the police said: “Last week, Thames Valley police launched an investigation following reports of incidents of public order offences on Abingdon Road, Oxford.

“Officers are investigating those public order offences and have arrested a 44-year-old man from Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, on suspicion of causing racially and religiously aggravated harassment, alarm or distress. He has been released on police bail.”

Oxfordshire county council issued a formal legal notice to Raise the Colours on Monday to “stop a specified activity” in response to the group’s “continued placing of flags across Oxfordshire”.

The leader of the council, the Liberal Democrat councillor Liz Leffman, said the “scale and persistence of this activity is affecting communities across Oxfordshire” and residents have reported feeling “distressed, unwelcome and unsafe”.

“The widespread installation of flags by Raise the Colours is not a sign of patriotism. It is an act of intimidation and division that is having a real and damaging impact on our communities,” Leffman said.

“Our teams removing the flags, together with residents who have challenged the individuals installing them, have been subject to abuse and threatening behaviour. This is totally unacceptable.”

The council said it would consider all options, including civil and criminal proceedings, if the group did not comply with the letter.

Raise the Colours has been contacted for comment.


:laugh2:

The snowflakes have well and truly melted

That’s what happens when you rile up a group of racists to hang flags under the guise of patriotism.

The fact that this ten minute trend has been forgotten and the flags have been left to rot by the same “patriots” just proves that.

No one is offended by flags. Unless it’s a rainbow one of course.


No one is offended ? When is the last time anyone was arrested for raising a Pride flag lol

[Parmy]

No one is offended ? When is the last time anyone was arrested for raising a Pride flag lol

I mean, :hehe:

the bloke got arrested for flying a flag..cause someone was offended.:joker:

[joeysteele]

Have to admit when I see particularly the St George's flag, I feel it more being there for intimidation.
Thankfully no one has them from their windows or on a mast in their gardens where I live.
Plus rarely do I see them in the nearest town to me.
Yes though, speaking obviously for myself, I view now certainly the St George's flag as negative and I'm heading the same way as to the Union Jack too.

[Crimson Dynamo]

Jesus Wept

[Parmy]

Have to admit when I see particularly the St George's flag, I feel it more being there for intimidation.
Thankfully no one has them from their windows or on a mast in their gardens where I live.
Plus rarely do I see them in the nearest town to me.
Yes though, speaking obviously for myself, I view now certainly the St George's flag as negative and I'm heading the same way as to the Union Jack too.


Well, hopefully you won't soil yourself walking past your local town hall next Tuesday.

[Parmy]

Jesus Wept

Hence the flags

[Alf]

Far more atractive than them gay flags

[Alf]

Have to admit when I see particularly the St George's flag, I feel it more being there for intimidation.
Thankfully no one has them from their windows or on a mast in their gardens where I live.
Plus rarely do I see them in the nearest town to me.
Yes though, speaking obviously for myself, I view now certainly the St George's flag as negative and I'm heading the same way as to the Union Jack too.That's because you've been programmed by propaganda to be unpatritotic to your own country. But love other countries.

You're the ones that let the barbarians in through the gates, hoping they'll thank you for it.

They wont.

[Glenn.]

Have to admit when I see particularly the St George's flag, I feel it more being there for intimidation.
Thankfully no one has them from their windows or on a mast in their gardens where I live.
Plus rarely do I see them in the nearest town to me.
Yes though, speaking obviously for myself, I view now certainly the St George's flag as negative and I'm heading the same way as to the Union Jack too.

It’s a shame real patriotism doesn’t exist anymore.

The replies from certain members in this thread prove they never went up to show patriotism. It’s just a handy get out clause for the real reason.

[joeysteele]

It’s a shame real patriotism doesn’t exist anymore.

The replies from certain members in this thread prove they never went up to show patriotism. It’s just a handy get out clause for the real reason.

It is sad, I agree Glen.

[Ammi]

It’s a shame real patriotism doesn’t exist anymore.

The replies from certain members in this thread prove they never went up to show patriotism. It’s just a handy get out clause for the real reason.

It is sad, I agree Glen.

…I do feel that patriotism does exist or it does for me in so many things that represent it in a very positive way and those don’t have to be huge country represented events like the World Cup for instance…it can just be family days out and the simplest of things in thinking of all of the everyday things I enjoy around me…but Patriotism and Nationalism have sadly become an entwined representative in the flag world for many because where there is positive, it’s sadly been used as a ‘weapon’ to divide…and divisiveness has become the most powerful weapon of all in the modern world…

[Kate!]

It’s a shame real patriotism doesn’t exist anymore.

The replies from certain members in this thread prove they never went up to show patriotism. It’s just a handy get out clause for the real reason.

It is sad, I agree Glen.

Oh give over, grow a pair!

I'm patriotic through and through, lots of people are, utter nonsense!

[Kate!]

…I do feel that patriotism does exist or it does for me in so many things that represent it in a very positive way and those don’t have to be huge country represented events like the World Cup for instance…it can just be family days out and the simplest of things in thinking of all of the everyday things I enjoy around me…but Patriotism and Nationalism have sadly become an entwined representative in the flag world for many because where there is positive, it’s sadly been used as a ‘weapon’ to divide…and divisiveness had become the most powerful weapon of all in the modern world…

Yes Ammi it most certainly does still exist. Fervently so.

[Glenn.]

Oh give over, grow a pair!

I'm patriotic through and through, lots of people are, utter nonsense!

Nothing to add about the rotting flags on lampposts?

[Crimson Dynamo]

Nothing to add about the rotting flags on lampposts?

can we see say 3 or 4 images of them?

[Glenn.]

I’ll get some for you if you really want to see them.

[Cherie]

Maybe people cant afford to replace them ever thought of that? perhaps they are busy trying to keep afloat in these testing times

[thesheriff443]

…I do feel that patriotism does exist or it does for me in so many things that represent it in a very positive way and those don’t have to be huge country represented events like the World Cup for instance…it can just be family days out and the simplest of things in thinking of all of the everyday things I enjoy around me…but Patriotism and Nationalism have sadly become an entwined representative in the flag world for many because where there is positive, it’s sadly been used as a ‘weapon’ to divide…and divisiveness has become the most powerful weapon of all in the modern world…

My dad has a great saying
If you treat everyone the same you won’t have a problem

Unfortunately this isn’t happening when it comes to both punishments and rewards

[Glenn.]

Forgive me but the state of them right now tells me they weren’t very expensive to begin with

It also doesn’t explain why something meant to represent pride is just left to deteriorate instead of being maintained or removed.

So where is the pride? Non existent

[Ammi]

…I do feel that patriotism does exist or it does for me in so many things that represent it in a very positive way and those don’t have to be huge country represented events like the World Cup for instance…it can just be family days out and the simplest of things in thinking of all of the everyday things I enjoy around me…but Patriotism and Nationalism have sadly become an entwined representative in the flag world for many because where there is positive, it’s sadly been used as a ‘weapon’ to divide…and divisiveness has become the most powerful weapon of all in the modern world…

…I will add though that I don’t need a flag or any other visual representative of all of the things that hold us to a country in love and affection…all of those things are wrapped up in people and places/in friends and family and so many things around us that we can lose sight of in the negative/divisive driven world we live in…other than significant days of present time celebration/or historical significance, I don’t really understand the flags…the dedication of either displaying them or having them removed from public places…

[thesheriff443]

Are migrants intimidated by a flag? , of course not
Do they adopt the British way of life and values ? Of course they don’t
Has a flag fell on a migrant and killed them? Of course not

Do people see a flag and want to go and attack migrants? Of course not

Glenn soon you will be in another country and won’t have to see those flags and what you are trying to do with this thread is accuse people of being racist in a not so subtle way

People are not stupid we know you by now

[Glenn.]

Are migrants intimidated by a flag? , of course not
Do they adopt the British way of life and values ? Of course they don’t
Has a flag fell on a migrant and killed them? Of course not

Do people see a flag and want to go and attack migrants? Of course not

Glenn soon you will be in another country and won’t have to see those flags and what you are trying to do with this thread is accuse people of being racist in a not so subtle way

People are not stupid we know you by now

No one is saying a flag harms anyone. The issue is how it’s used and what it represents in context.

If these flags are about pride, why are so many left tattered and rotting on lampposts? That’s not respect, it’s neglect. Taking them down costs nothing. It certainly wasn’t an issue when they were going up.

Pretending migrants don’t contribute or adopt British values is just a baseless generalisation. Millions live, work, and contribute here every day.

Pointing any of this out isn’t calling everyone racist, it’s just acknowledging reality. If anything, leaving symbols of “pride” to deteriorate says more than anything else.

[thesheriff443]

No one is saying a flag harms anyone. The issue is how it’s used and what it represents in context.

If these flags are about pride, why are so many left tattered and rotting on lampposts? That’s not respect, it’s neglect. Taking them down costs nothing. It certainly wasn’t an issue when they were going up.

Pretending migrants don’t contribute or adopt British values is just a baseless generalisation. Millions live, work, and contribute here every day.

Pointing any of this out isn’t calling everyone racist, it’s just acknowledging reality. If anything, leaving symbols of “pride” to deteriorate says more than anything else.

There is litter all over the country does it mean people are no patriots? No it means some people drop litter some people don’t
And people that don’t drop litter haven’t got the time to go and pick up litter because they are too busy trying to stay ahead of the bills because we are spending money on people to live on hotels and then be put on universal credit and get fee access to the nhs

The idea that all these migrants are going to working is utter nonsense

[joeysteele]

…I will add though that I don’t need a flag or any other visual representative of all of the things that hold us to a country in love and affection…all of those things are wrapped up in people and places/in friends and family and so many things around us that we can lose sight of in the negative/divisive driven world we live in…other than significant days of present time celebration/or historical significance, I don’t really understand the flags…the dedication of either displaying them or having them removed from public places…

On both your posts, I agree.
Your point too that it's likely patriotism and nationalism have become entwined, is a very strong one.

[Crimson Dynamo]

Are migrants intimidated by a flag? , of course not
Do they adopt the British way of life and values ? Of course they don’t
Has a flag fell on a migrant and killed them? Of course not

Do people see a flag and want to go and attack migrants? Of course not

Glenn soon you will be in another country and won’t have to see those flags and what you are trying to do with this thread is accuse people of being racist in a not so subtle way

People are not stupid we know you by now

Essentially he is "triggered" that there is not a system in operation for Flags to be renewed on an annual basis a bit like pot hole repairs or Trigger's brush on Only Fools and Horses

:joker:

I

[thesheriff443]

As of June last year 1.6 million people born overseas were claiming universal credit

[Glenn.]

There is litter all over the country does it mean people are no patriots? No it means some people drop litter some people don’t
And people that don’t drop litter haven’t got the time to go and pick up litter because they are too busy trying to stay ahead of the bills because we are spending money on people to live on hotels and then be put on universal credit and get fee access to the nhs

The idea that all these migrants are going to working is utter nonsense

These flags were deliberately put up to represent pride and patriotism. Leaving them to rot isn’t the same as someone dropping rubbish, it’s organised neglect of something that’s supposed to mean something.

And no one is asking random people to go out and fix it. The point is simple: if you put something up to represent pride, maintain it or take it down. Otherwise it just looks performative which it obviously is.

As for migrants, the idea that none of them work just isn’t reality. Millions are in employment, paying taxes and contributing every day. That’s not opinion, that’s fact. A hard one for you to grasp maybe but still a fact.

It feels like you’re jumping between points to avoid the original one: if these flags are about pride, why are they being left in a state that shows the opposite?

[thesheriff443]

1.6 million migrants on universal credit , 16 percent

[Glenn.]

As of June last year 1.6 million people born overseas were claiming universal credit

That stat on its own doesn’t prove what you think it does.

Born overseas isn’t the same as recent migrants. It includes people who’ve lived here for decades, have citizenship, and have paid into the system like anyone else.

Universal Credit is also claimed by people who are working but on low income, so being on it doesn’t mean someone isn’t contributing.

The wider picture is that millions of foreign-born people are in employment across the UK, including the NHS, construction, transport and hospitality. They are part of the workforce keeping things running.

One number without context doesn’t change that.