Would you fly a flag for your country?

No,

GrannyGravy13

Do people automatically assume anyone wearing white stilettos are from Essex?

Anyone with a tattoo is a yob (my GP has several)

Are these the same people assuming that anyone defending the English flag must be far right and a racist?

It is the flag of England, and if law abiding citizens are being targeted as racist or far right because they defend the flag of their birth country, I think the problem lies firmly with the accusers.

Well said.

foxie48

Llamedos13 so there should be. I went to the Olympics in France last year wore my union Jack T shirt and waved my Union Jack flag but I won't wave an England flag whilst it's being used by racists and thugs even if they are in the minority.

The way I see it is that the appeal of the "Keep Britain British" side is in the process of broadening to take in a wider section of the population - and I hope so obviously. When I first took a look at demonstrations I thought "I feel like I've got a slight problem here personally - as the people who look most like me are on the other side of the divide...ie welcoming them in".

But I think the base of support is shifting and I'm feeling more able to join in - as I spot more people similar to myself etc there on the "British" side of this debate. I see a barrister there on his YouTube channel arguing against a free-for-all of letting everyone into our country. I'm in process of getting in touch with an old friend from elsewhere in the country - very European (though he's English) and a retired academic and he shares a lot of my viewpoints.

So yep the support base of this is widening and it's feeling more possible to join in - on the "British" side of this debate and this is where the Government is going to have problems carrying on letting a small boats free-for-all continue.

There is a noticeable size swathe of the country where people are living very nicely in more moneyed/posher areas of the country (Cotswolds anyone....?) and wondering what everyone else is on about - because it doesn't affect them. It will.....it will...

It doesn't affect me personally so much - living in remote Wales - where 95% of the people I see walking down the street are obviously British (apart from groups I mix in personally - where there is a broader spread of nationalities)....but I do see what is happening elsewhere in the country.

I travelled up the M6 yesterday from Birmingham to Scotland and most motorway bridges had at least one flag flying from it until I reached the Lake District. My spirits weren't at all lifted but then as I have no emotional attachment to the flags they didn't need to be. I enjoy flag waving for special occasions eg sporting events, national anniversaries etc but not so much for random let's all do this to feel proud reasons. As you can guess, I wont be joining in.

GrannyGravy13

*growstuff*I do not in anyway support Tommy Robinson, Reform or any other group with their mentality or politics.

I do object strongly with them high jacking the flag of the country of my birth.

I will not let them have sole use of the flag, and if I choose to display a flag or bunting on my property I will do so, anyone accusing me of being far right will be corrected immediately.

That's absolutely fine. You can do what you like on your own property. I expect people who didn't know you will make assumptions. I'm sure you'll correct those who know you.

The issue is when they're flown en masse in public places. People will make assumptions. The flags have a historic connection with the far right, so people will assume that's what they symbolise. There is nothing in the flags which are being flown to show that they are the more cuddly version.

It's different if there's an important sporting event or national holiday. We all know that we're supporting our "team" or commemorating something special. It's natural to wonder what's behind all the flags being flown now. The optics and evidence suggest there's something more than an excuse for a bit of feel good factor.

CariadAgain Why are you interested in people who look like you?

My son-in-law is British, but I wouldn't mind betting he doesn't look like you. By coincidence, I was having this discussion with him and my daughter yesterday. He showed me a picture of his maternal family - they all look different. I have no idea what you look like, but I expect I don't look much like you either - I've got pale skin though - is that what you mean?

The fact that Britishness and what people look like is being linked with flags shows what is really behind it all.

growstuff

The fact that Britishness and what people look like is being linked with flags shows what is really behind it all.

It is a deliberate campaign by the far right who have been guilty of defacing public property, inciting and committing violence, and trying to burn down buildings with people inside them.
No matter what sone people’s opinions are on immigration this group of thugs are not the answer.
Those people who just want to fly the flag for their own gratification with no other axe to grind may get lumped together with those running this campaign, which is a shame but the sad reality of the situation.

I wonder how many flag wavers know why and when George was picked as the patron saint and where he was born?

Not English, never visited England and, I think, is also the patron saint of other countries.

Yes

flump

I wonder how many flag wavers know why and when George was picked as the patron saint and where he was born?

Not English, never visited England and, I think, is also the patron saint of other countries.

St. George is patron saint of at least 15 countries and many regions.

growstuff

The fact that Britishness and what people look like is being linked with flags shows what is really behind it all.

I don't understand

Do you mean shaven-headed, tattooed men in vests?

GrannyGravy13

flump

I wonder how many flag wavers know why and when George was picked as the patron saint and where he was born?

Not English, never visited England and, I think, is also the patron saint of other countries.

St. George is patron saint of at least 15 countries and many regions.

Obviously didn't come here to Britain as the Welsh dragon is still alive and thriving!

Those people who just want to fly the flag for their own gratification with no other axe to grind may get lumped together with those running this campaign, which is a shame but the sad reality of the situation.

Yes, it is a shame, that is why ordinary, decent citizens need to reclaim the flag.

I've been to funerals of service personnel and usually the Union flag is draped over the coffin, along with, perhaps, an Ensign or regimental or RAF flag too.

Allira

growstuff

The fact that Britishness and what people look like is being linked with flags shows what is really behind it all.

I don't understand

Do you mean shaven-headed, tattooed men in vests?

No, I mean organisations such as Turning Point UK, Britain First and "Operation Raise the Colours", which was co-founded by one of Tommy Robinson's allies.

The fact is that flags appearing now isn't a series of spontaneous actions to show that people are happy to be British. It's part of a well-orchestrated campaign to coincide with the anti-immigrant protests outside hotels and the forthcoming Free Speech march in London. Look at the hashtag #Operation Raise the Colours on Twitter. It's an attempt to raise the profile of nationalism and intimidate. According to some of the Twitter posters, anybody who objects is a traitor.

Allira

^Those people who just want to fly the flag for their own gratification with no other axe to grind may get lumped together with those running this campaign, which is a shame but the sad reality of the situation.^

Yes, it is a shame, that is why ordinary, decent citizens need to reclaim the flag.

I've been to funerals of service personnel and usually the Union flag is draped over the coffin, along with, perhaps, an Ensign or regimental or RAF flag too.

How are people supposed to know which is a "reclaimed" flag?

Allira

GrannyGravy13

flump

I wonder how many flag wavers know why and when George was picked as the patron saint and where he was born?

Not English, never visited England and, I think, is also the patron saint of other countries.

St. George is patron saint of at least 15 countries and many regions.

Obviously didn't come here to Britain as the Welsh dragon is still alive and thriving!

Don't give them ideas.

growstuff

Allira

Those people who just want to fly the flag for their own gratification with no other axe to grind may get lumped together with those running this campaign, which is a shame but the sad reality of the situation.

Yes, it is a shame, that is why ordinary, decent citizens need to reclaim the flag.

I've been to funerals of service personnel and usually the Union flag is draped over the coffin, along with, perhaps, an Ensign or regimental or RAF flag too.

How are people supposed to know which is a "reclaimed" flag?

I don't think people/organisations who would normally fly the flag should be deterred by this lot.

It will die a death, hopefully.
Summer madness?

growstuff

Allira

GrannyGravy13

flump

I wonder how many flag wavers know why and when George was picked as the patron saint and where he was born?

Not English, never visited England and, I think, is also the patron saint of other countries.

St. George is patron saint of at least 15 countries and many regions.

Obviously didn't come here to Britain as the Welsh dragon is still alive and thriving!

Don't give them ideas.

I think St George died in Israel on 23 April 303 AD.
He was an officer in the Roman Army and was executed for refusing to make a pagan sacrifice.

It's doubtful that he ever slayed a dragon!

Oh no Allira 🙀 he didn’t slay a dragon 🐉
I feel so let down 😿

😂

Well, there might have been a large lizard or two, who knows!

That's exactly how I feel. Why has it become necessary to fly a flag to celebrate our nationality. Flags, unless they're at a sports event or similar, are just a way of pointing out difference so 'othering' those who are not part of that group. That's all flags, including the Pride one.

I leave all the public buildings to fly flags. Every local authority, government building where I live flies them, for me that's enough.

Well, I like flying our flag. I don't, because I don't have one.
But I would if I did. Perhaps I'll buy one.

henetha

Well, I like flying our flag. I don't, because I don't have one.
But I would if I did. Perhaps I'll buy one.

Make sure it wasn't manufactured in China.