Union Jack and the St George’s flags have been spotted in Bracknell as part of ‘Operation Raise the Colours’ activism throughout the country.
People have been engaging in the ‘operation’ throughout the UK, with supporters stating that it is an expression of patriotism.
A St George’s Flag was spotted in Rosedale Gardens, Wildridings, and a Union Jack was spotted in the Town Centre and the Parks ward.
Councillor John Edwards, a Sandhurst Town councillor, has called the action a “patriotic outpouring”.
He said this during an appearance on The Political Asylum show on Talk TV hosted by Kevin O’Sullivan, arguing it is a push back against perceptions of a ‘weak’ and “anti-British government”.
Cllr Edwards (Independent, Owlsmoor) said: “It’s a patriotic outpouring what’s going on.
“I think it’s a push back against mass uncontrolled immigration and yes, against illegal immigration and these hotels, which is quite honestly quite scandalous, where our own residents are being left behind in inadequate housing and some veterans are homeless.
“But I think it goes deeper than that as well. I think it’s also about pushing our shared identity, you know, our collective memory, our cultural inheritance.
“You know, people feel that this is their home and somehow that’s wrong now that you can’t say this is your home.”
The argument that the operation is divisive was discussed, as links have been made to the political party Britain First, which has been accused of Islamophobia and antisemitism.
Cllr Edwards said: “What gets me is this is seen by some as divisive by the liberal or the left, but it doesn’t have to be.
“This is the social cohesion they’ve been talking about. But unfortunately, it’s just not the social cohesion that they wanted. But it really is unifying because the great thing about the Union flag is it’s nothing to be ashamed of, and the same for the St. George’s flag. They belong to all of us. They represent equality and freedom and sacrifice.”
He also mentioned a motion he has introduced at Sandhurst Town Council to permanently fly the Union Jack at the Memorial Park.
It is predicted that the motion will be discussed at a town council meeting next month.
Cllr Edwards said: “Even that attracted the usual suspects saying it was divisive. I even had someone call me racist for suggesting that we should fly our union flag. So, the double standards are there for everyone to see.”
He added that residents had been “so supportive” of the operation, and claimed that posts on Facebook groups of people sharing photos of the flags were being deleted by admins.
Cllr Edwards spoke on Talk TV on Wednesday, August 20.
The St George’s Flag became the symbol of England in 1348, when St George was made the patron saint of the country by King Edward III.
The Union Jack was created in 1606 when the kingdoms of England and Scotland united under King James I.
