A battle has broken out among various factions after St George’s flags appeared in a number of locations across a Midlands town
A town centre roundabout has become a hotbed of political tension as ‘far right’ and ‘lefties’ clash over the display of St George’s Cross flags. Brownhill’s Jigger Island has been the scene of escalating conflict, with residents claiming that the community is being divided by the ongoing flag war.
Last week, flags adorning the roundabout were removed, causing outrage among certain members of the community. One man took to social media to express his disgust at the incident, calling for CCTV footage to be released. Far-right activist Tommy Robinson, also known as Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, joined the debate, criticising the removal of the flags, reports Birmingham Live.
Despite this, it seems more flags have since been erected, with local residents and businesses showing their support for the display. The recent proliferation of St George’s and Union flags across the nation has sparked controversy. While some argue they symbolise pride and unity, others believe they are being used for political gain.
An anonymous 31 year old man, out with his eight-month-old son in Brownhills’ High Street, said: “Seeing the flags makes me proud and happy to be English.”
Robert Downs Jr, at his High Street shop, with a photograph of himself and father (Image: )
He added: “There is a line between stupidity and patriotism; it’s very fine and has to be noted, but if you can’t fly the flag in your country, there is something going on. Racism hasn’t gone, I’m brown, but it’s my own flag, and I love my country. I’ve travelled worldwide. I’ve watched Greek people raise the Greek flag. I’ve been to Malaysia, and it was the same.
“My grandad came over in the 1950s from Jamaica. He had problems. But he loved the Queen, he doesn’t forget he’s Jamaican and he doesn’t forget what this country has done for him. I wouldn’t be here (if it wasn’t for that), my son wouldn’t be here. I’m proud to be English.”
He continued: “Racists are racists, bigots are bigots and a******s are a******s.”
St George’s flags lining the Jigger Island (Image: )
A sandwich shop and newsagent establishment on the High Street, named R Downes Brownhills Newsagents, showcased several St George’s flags within the shop. Robert Downes Jr, 60, who operates the business, explained the flags had remained in place since St George’s Day, stating: “We are very patriotic.”
Speaking about the flags throughout the town, he remarked: “It’s about the community showing pride and I support the town. People are delighted to see it, they welcome it. I haven’t heard a negative comment. The older generation is loving it. The younger generation doesn’t understand it, they have been raised in a different era, different circumstances.”
A Greek gentleman, who preferred to stay anonymous and mentioned he’d resided in England for 37 years, questioned: “Who is against the flag? There is nothing wrong with displaying the flag. I’m proud of my own country, I’m proud to be Greek.”
Looking towards the display of flags near the roundabout, he declared: “It’s a beautiful picture to me.
“I have been living here for 37 years. What I see here is beautiful flags.”
Another local, who preferred to stay unnamed, expressed: “It is nice and good to see. It’s about time we started having a bit of pride. I wish everywhere did it.”
An octogenarian believed the flags were a form of protest against the influx of small boats and asylum seekers.
Meanwhile, Barry Russell, a 30 year old from Brownhills, revealed he has ordered flags through the post and plans to display them around the town.
He alleged that the right-wing political party ‘Britain First’ had footed the bill for the flags.
Mr Russell admitted his participation in protests, stating: “I can see where they are coming from and where the other side are coming from.”
The flags have been hoisted on the roundabout known as Jigger Island, where the A452 High Street intersects with A4124 Pelsall Road.
Flags were also seen adorning the High Street.
Flags torn down, left, and flags installed on railing and the island (Image: undefined)
Less than a mile away, on another roundabout named the Rising Sun Island in Brownhills West, there was also a display of Union and St George’s flags.
However, not everyone has welcomed the flag display.
One social media user wrote: “This is the roundabout near my house. Just had a bloke shout ‘Engerlund’ out of his car window at me.
“I said I think the flags are unwelcoming, racist and an eyesore.”
Outrage over the perceived ‘true’ meaning behind the flags movement has sparked a campaign to show a ‘united front against hate’ across Birmingham.
In a heartening display of unity, neighbours from diverse backgrounds, colours, and faiths are rallying together to counteract the rising influence of far-right commentators by displaying colourful posters.
One advocate of this poster campaign expressed their delight at having a means to show support for those neighbours who feel threatened and silenced by anti-migrant and racist rhetoric.
