Anti-racist groups demand 'immediate removal' of England flags

THREE Birmingham anti-racist organisations are demanding the “immediate removal” of flags put up across city communities - warning it is a “far right orchestrated attack” on ethnic minorities and race harmony.

- JANE HAYNES

Birmingham Stand Up Against Racism (BSUAR), Birmingham Race Impact Group and Kings Heath United Against Racism leaders have “unequivocally condemned the orchestrated placement of Union Jacks and St George's flags on lampposts and the painting of St George's crosses on roundabouts across our city”.

They have claimed: “This is not innocent “patriotism”.

The groups say it is ‘part of a far-right operation aimed at intimidating asylum seekers, migrants, and Muslims, and sowing division in our communities.

They also claim it has received explicit backing from known far-right figures in defiance of councils removing flags.

A Stand Up to Racism spokesman said: “These links show this is not a benign display of local pride but a coordinated far-right strategy, embedded in extremist political organising.

“Such displays send a chilling message to Birmingham's diverse communities: that they are unwelcome, under surveillance, and at risk.”

The group is part of Birmingham Race Impact Group's campaign for Birmingham to be a truly anti-racist city.