A Liberal Democrat councillor in the Oxfordshire town of Abingdon has criticised the recent widespread display of England flags, describing them as "intimidating" and a form of "plastic patriotism". The remarks come in response to a noticeable surge in public flag displays that started in Birmingham, with the St George’s Cross and the UK’s Union Flag being flown from homes but also painted on zebra crossings, roundabouts, and even appearing on road signs. While some see the flags as an expression of patriotism, others argue they send an intimidating message of exclusion.
The flag displays have come following an online movement called Operation Raise the Colours, and they have also coincided with a rise in anti-immigration protests, where they have often been used. Abingdon North county councillor Nathan Ley took to social media to voice his concerns, arguing that these displays are not rooted in genuine patriotism but are instead intended to provoke and divide.
Councillor Nathan Ley wrote on social media: "Some see these acts as patriotism. For many others, they just look messy - paint splashed on the road, plastic tied to lampposts, left to fray and blow into the gutters.
"It’s not pride, it’s often a safety hazard. And the council ends up footing the bill to clear it up. But there’s more to it than untidiness. This isn’t just a few people showing support for England all of a sudden.
"Unless you've had your head in the sand, the timing is clearly a campaign whipped up by our increasingly dark online spaces, designed to be loud and provocative.
"This is plastic patriotism - flashy, hollow, and about intimidating certain groups in our communities. Don't play dumb now."
He added: "It's a tough time at the moment for all of us - that is for sure - but it's not for the reasons Elon Musk is telling you. Because real pride doesn’t need to shout. It doesn’t need to mark territory. And it doesn’t come with cable ties and cheap paint."
Thames Valley Police has warned that painting flags on roads or roundabouts could be considered criminal damage. Oxfordshire County Council said that while it "proudly" flies the national flags on public buildings, safety must be a priority.
The debate mirrors a broader national divide, as some politicians condemn the removal of flags by local authorities, while others argue the surge in displays is tied to rising xenophobia and division. Online, others have also pointed out that St George, the patron saint of England, was believed to be of half-Turkish and half-Palestinian heritage.
