The issue of flags will not go away and the political left is going into overdrive!
Several weeks ago, the British Movement Northern region website reported on the ‘Raise the Colours’ campaign and the counter-offensive by both anti-racist groups and Labour Party-dominated local councils to remove Saint George’s Cross and Union flags in the towns and cities of South Yorkshire. Our article placed particular focus on the different responses of Sheffield City Council, Doncaster Council, Rotherham Council and Barnsley Council.
Typically, the local newspaper, the ‘Sheffield Star’, has taken a left-wing position.
“More than £7,000 has been spent by the local council this year in efforts to remove flags from public property. Removing flags has cost South Yorkshire councils more than £7,000, while nationally, clean-up costs total over £60,000.
“Data gathered through Freedom of Information (FOI) requests by political adviser Pablo O’Hana has shown that across Britain, local councils have paid out £60,000 in clean-up costs as a movement has seen people attempt to attach flags to public property like lampposts and bridges, or paint St George’s crosses on things like roundabouts.
“The act of raising flags has been described as patriotic by some; however has raised criticism as movements – such as ‘Operation Raise the Colours’ – have been tied to far-right figures. In September, The Star reported on how street signs in Sheffield have been covered with spray paint, making them almost illegible.
“In a statement released on September 4, a spokesperson for Sheffield Council said: “Sheffield City Council welcomes people flying flags on private property and recognises there are many reasons to fly flags such as a celebration of community, national pride and our many sporting events.
“However, unauthorised items will be removed from public property in due course as part of routine maintenance. Any unauthorised items which pose a safety risk will be removed as a priority. Should any flags need to be removed, they will be retained and stored in a safe location.” Local councils have been approached for comment.”
Certain South Yorkshire-based anti-racist organisations and activists, in particular the SCARF (Sheffield Communities Against Racism and Fascism) organisation, have been pushing the opposition to the flags, such is the manufactured opposition that even the left-wing outlets of the national mainstream media have shown an interest. In the ‘Guardian’ newspaper on Friday, December 5th 2025, an illustrated article titled, “ A Very English War, The communities fighting back over flags on lamp-posts.”
As can be gathered from the tone of the article, the Guardian reflected the leftist opposition position, looking at anti-flag campaigns in the West Midlands, Norfolk and Sheffield, with particular emphasis on the district of Walkley, It is difficult to understand the level of hysteria being generated on the Left. Consider this statement from a Left-wing social media outlet: “A Mini Battle of Cable Street Unfolds in English Neighbourhoods.”
Seriously? Some on the political Left are comparing the campaign to remove the flags with the Battle of Cable Street in 1936. But as can be seen by a much-quoted resident of Walkley, the Left have seized on this notion…. “Walkley, Sheffield, has witnessed similar conflicts. Anne, 66, likened local disputes to a “mini Battle of Cable Street,” referencing 1936 clashes against fascist marches in London.
“Flags erected by Reform Sheffield East have sparked confrontation with residents, creating an environment of intimidation. Andrew Scarsdale, spokesperson for Sheffield Communities against Racism and Fascism (Scarf), explained that flags in the area are perceived as deliberately divisive, not patriotic.”
Plus it provides the Left with another stick to beat Reform UK, their current bogeyman and threat to diversity. Even weirder was this left-wing headline quoted by Yorkshire Live: ‘Same as urinating on lampposts’ – Flag wars break out in South Yorkshire.’
Credits:
Main Image: Operation Raise the Colours, by Mtaylor848 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0.
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