Overview

• A social‑media push known as Operation Raise the Colours has placed St George’s flags and painted crosses across towns, including on lamp posts and roundabouts.
• Historian Rafe Heydel‑Mankoo told GB News that English pride faces double standards compared with other UK nations and said, "the English have had enough."
• Downing Street said the prime minister supports people displaying English flags, casting the practice as a legitimate expression of patriotism.
• Local authorities, including a Reform UK‑run council, say unapproved flags and road markings breach safety and highways rules and are being removed at public expense.
• Anti‑racism advocates and some residents link the displays to far‑right activity, citing incidents such as an Essex arrest after racist language and crosses were painted above an Indian restaurant.