Tattooist went viral for confronting 'idiots who want to divide'

BIRMINGHAM MAN STOOD UP TO FLAG-FLYING GROUP

- BEN PERRIN News Reporter

A BIRMINGHAM tattooist who went viral in a row over the flying of flags on a city high street claimed “idiots are trying to divide people”.

Bodywork artist Nathan appeared on social media as he clashed with a member of Raise the Colours group - a grassroots movement to cover Britain in flags which says it stands for unity and patriotism - over a Union flag in Stirchley.

Nathan, who did not want to use his full name, said he hoped people could “show more compassion and love for one another rather than being divided by hate”

The row in Pershore Road came after scores of flags appeared in south Birmingham over the last few weeks.

Nathan said: “It’s not about them putting flags up to be patriotic. There are negative connotations to the flags.

“These idiots are trying to divide the people of England. They are not trying to put them in areas which they know are multicultural because they know what reception they're going to get. They're trying to put them (the flags) in mainly white areas.

“It's cowardly and just trying to cause division. People should work together and show compassion and love for one another”

The cross of St George and Union flags have been added to lampposts on Pershore Road by the Raise the Colours group using a cherry picker.

Asked about the reaction to the video, he said: “I’m a tattoo artist and 1 run a tattoo business. Tattoos are against the Islamic faith, but T have had nothing but love and support from so many Muslim people since this has happened offering to help my business and offering to leave a review based on a character reference.