WATCH: UK citizens wage “flag war” as government cracks down on nationalism

A grassroots campaign dubbed "Operation Raise the Colours" has led to thousands of Union Jack and St. George’s Cross flags appearing on lampposts across UK towns, including Birmingham and Tower Hamlets.

Organized by groups like the Weoley Warriors, the initiative aims to celebrate British and English identity, raising over £11,000 for flags and poles. However, local councils have removed many, citing safety risks to infrastructure during LED streetlight upgrades.

Birmingham City Council alone has taken down 200 flags since January 2025.

The removals have ignited fierce backlash, with residents reinstalling flags overnight, accusing councils of anti-British bias. Critics highlight that Palestinian flags remained on lampposts in Tower Hamlets for months post-2023 Israel-Hamas conflict, fueling claims of inconsistent enforcement.

Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, has championed the campaign, with their 12 controlled councils vowing to keep flags up. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office expressed support for flying national flags but avoided commenting on council actions.

The controversy has drawn endorsements from figures like Tommy Robinson and Britain First, raising concerns among anti-racism groups like Stand Up to Racism, who fear the flags signal exclusion in multicultural areas.

Organizers deny racist intent, emphasizing community inclusivity. In Birmingham’s Weoley Castle and Tower Hamlets, confrontations between residents and council workers have escalated tensions.

The debate reflects broader UK divisions over national identity and immigration, with St George’s Crosses painted on roundabouts now probed as criminal damage in Worcestershire.

As the "Flag War" spreads to cities like Bradford and Newcastle, the clash between local governance and public sentiment continues to polarize communities, with no resolution in sight.