Increasing numbers of St George’s and Union Jack flags are being flown from buildings, cars, lampposts and even being painted on mini-roundabouts.

“Operation Raise the Colours” is behind a national move to encourage people to put up flags.

The latest rise in flags going up really stems from a south west part of Birmingham. In Weoley Castle square flags were put up in response to a story of a 12 year old girl who was prevented from making a speech about being British in school, whilst wearing a union jack-themed dress. The school in the town of Rugby has since apologised.

Following the news a group called the Weoley Warriors was created and go around with a ladder and put up flags on lampposts. They have also launched an online crowdfunder to raise funds for flags, poles and cable ties.

There are a number of factors which have also helped bring this story to light. Birmingham City Council took down some of the flags due to maintenance, however the council have said they haven’t taken down any since the 1st August.

There are also a number of protests across the country against the use of hotels to house those seeking asylum in the UK, who have come across the English channel. The English flag and Union Jack have been used in these protests.

My Take:

I’ve been lucky enough to go to America a number of times. I’ve always been amazed at their patriotism, especially compared to ours. Massive flags outside of businesses – regardless of whether it’s a national chain or a locally owned business. Flags outside of American homes. Flags across the board. Everywhere.

I also happen to come from a county which has it’s own well known flag. It’s flown on a lot of occasions and from peoples houses and businesses. In fact I have two hung up inside the place I live.

It’s encouraging to see the level of pride going around the country. My hope is the vast majority of people are doing it for the love of country. It’s about time we took our flags back from people who use it in the name of right-wing. There is nothing right-wing about the St. George’s Flag or Union Jack. So it is encouraging to see it being flown a lot more – I hope for the right reasons.

What I do disagree with however is the flying of them from lampposts and the painting of mini-roundabouts.

Who is going to keep them at a good appearance and take pride in them.

I would rather see it go down the American route. Them being flown from businesses and houses, where we know people will make sure they are kept the way they should be.

Let’s take the money being raised, give it to charity and let people fly the flags from their own houses.

There are far bigger issues going around the country than what lampposts can they fly them from or who painted what mini-roundabout.

Let’s raise the flag, but let’s take pride in it.