Overview

• Operation Raise the Colours has seen Union and St George’s flags hung from lampposts and red crosses painted on roundabouts and road furniture across English towns.
• A leaked note from the Aug. 27 National Community Tensions/Hate Crime Gold Group said “flags/crosses present narrative challenges” and highlighted uneven local responses, while Tell MAMA reported a recent rise in anti‑Muslim hate reports tied to anti‑migrant sentiment.
• Local actions vary: Birmingham cites safety as it removes unauthorised items, Reading councillors requested contractors take down new flags and graffiti, and the Met says such decisions rest with councils unless criminal offences occur.
• Anti‑extremism groups including Hope Not Hate link parts of the campaign to far‑right organisers such as Stephen Yaxley‑Lennon, as backers insist the displays represent patriotic pride rather than intimidation.
• Community views remain divided, with residents in Hetton‑le‑Hole and Birmingham voicing both support and discomfort, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer reiterating support for flying national flags with pride.