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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think if you're that fond/proud of your national flag, you should probably know which way up it goes?

181 replies

Nookfoot · 21/08/2025 15:13

Of all the Union Flags that have appeared, a huge percentage seem to be upside-down.

Now, I agree with the basic sentiment that people should be able to display their national flag if they choose, that flags should be respected. I think it's very sad that the flag has been appropriated by right wing groups/views.

Which ever camp you fall in, if you're going to put it up, put it the right way up. They're really doing the opposite of respecting it other wise!

OP posts:
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Ponoka7 · 21/08/2025 19:39

Absolute murder across our local FB pages. The Union flags had been put upside down, which angered the local ex Servicemen. The ex servicemen basically got told to STFU, a few older pick-me women even went against them. What and why was happening, still remains a mystery.

HonoriaBulstrode · 21/08/2025 19:38

Which ever camp you fall in, if you're going to put it up, put it the right way up. They're really doing the opposite of respecting it other wise!

Tell that to the government building that flew it upside down one Remembrance Day.

I believe it was the red ensign, or 'red duster', the flag of the merchant navy, that was traditionally flown 'union down' as a distress signal at sea because that could be seen some distance away. You can't tell if a union flag is upside down until you're quite close to it.

St George was Turkish

And St Andrew wasn't Scottish.

MrsMiagi · 21/08/2025 19:38

StressedOot3 · 21/08/2025 19:14

Why has there been so many posts about flags? What are you all going on about?

Areas with minorities have had groups attach union jack and st george flags to the lamposts down the streets. Also paint the cross on mini roundabouts.
If you live in a majority white area I am assuming it's not been done because the groups don't feel the need? Or perhaps they haven't got there yet?
Local FB groups in my area (flags everywhere) with lots of comments like 'take our country back', 'make Britain great again'.

TheHateIsNotGood · 21/08/2025 19:28

Are you referring to the Union Jack? Or maybe confusing the recent upsurge in the displaying of England Flags with the 'correct' way to fly the UK Flag instead.

Yes, St George was Turkish and Wales doesn't actually have any dragons although St Andrew might have been a bit cross and Northern Ireland might have had a 'hand' in it.

What is your actual point OP?

CanadianJohn · 21/08/2025 19:19

Flying a flag upside down is traditionally a signal of distress, but it can also serve as a form of protest. Maybe that's what is going on.

StressedOot3 · 21/08/2025 19:14

Why has there been so many posts about flags? What are you all going on about?