A campaign to cover the Worcestershire village of Wythall in St George's crosses has raised over £2,000, but organisers are facing accusations of far-right links. The group, calling itself the Wythall Flaggers, insists its efforts are purely patriotic, stating on its fundraising page: 'This is NOT racist never has been never will be.' The money will be used to 'coat the local community in England flags'.
However, footage posted on social media appears to show an elderly couple removing a flag from a lamp-post, with one comment labelling them 'traitors'. The incident has highlighted a growing divide over the display of national flags, just weeks after the England women's football team won the European Championships.
Anti-racism campaigners have expressed concern about the movement's motivation and timing. Lewis Nielsen, anti-fascist officer at Stand Up to Racism, said: 'We are concerned that the discussion around the English flag and patriotism is giving cover for racism driven by the far right.' He described the campaign as 'quite dangerous' and coming at a 'tipping point where the far right is trying to build'.
The campaign appears to have grown out of efforts in Birmingham suburbs last month, with groups like Operation Raise the Colours urging members to post images of flags being raised. Birmingham City Council said it had no policy of removing flags but would remove items attached to lamp-posts as part of routine maintenance. Tower Hamlets Council in London also confirmed it was removing St George flags from lamp-posts, prompting the 12 Reform-controlled councils to pledge they would not take down such flags.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer's official spokesperson said the prime minister was a 'patriot' who believed people should 'absolutely' fly the British and English flags, though he was not familiar with the specific campaign.
