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Rip the flags down! A call for action!

470 replies

Ilovemychocolate · 25/08/2025 18:46

The sudden appearance of the English flag hung on lamp posts, railings etc has absolutely sickened me, and my dd.
I am proud to be British, but the misappropriation of the flag by thugs, intending to intimidate, is absolutely not acceptable in a diverse society.
So tonight myself and my adult dd ripped them down in our area, and tomorrow we will be going on a flag hunt, to rip down any more we find.
I would strongly urge those of you that feel the same way, to also remove them, as long as you feel safe and comfortable to do it.
Posting in AIBU for traffic.

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Theolittle · 26/08/2025 19:03

Longingdreamer · 26/08/2025 17:25

I am perplexed by how, in England, people so vehemently opposed the English flag, but don't mind Palestinian flags?

One council, bizarrely, said they would be removing the St. George's flags, but leaving the Palestinian ones, as they would be attacked if they removed them.

in my mind I would support the Palestinians people (not Hamas) against the illegal war/genocide that Israel are conducting. But I don’t support far right thugs using the England flag as a symbol to support their racism, and vandalising public property in doing it.

the5thgoldengirl · 26/08/2025 18:45

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Ilovemychocolate · 26/08/2025 18:45

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And you are more intelligent are you?
You honestly can’t see where this is heading?

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the5thgoldengirl · 26/08/2025 18:42

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Ablushingcrow · 26/08/2025 18:40

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the5thgoldengirl · 26/08/2025 18:39

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Ilovemychocolate · 26/08/2025 18:39

WhereIsMyJumper · 26/08/2025 18:08

I’m finding this whole flag debacle so quintessentially British that it’s making me smile.

On the one hand, you have a cohort of people feeling ‘a bit miffed’ at the ‘less than ideal’ situation of thousands of undocumented migrants entering the country and what do they do to protest? Murder? Pillage? No, they hang some flags and paint a few on some roundabouts.

Then you have the other side saying “see here, we don’t like that! This is not ideal!” And going out with their scissors to remove said flags.

It’s quite cute, really. This is the extent of how we will show how disgruntled we are, regardless of which ‘side’ you fall on.

Then there is the irony of being spectacularly unaware that the flag you hate so much represents a culture that is so tolerant, that you’re allowed to hate your own flag. And remove it without fear of retaliation from your government. I wonder what would happen if a citizen of North Korea removed national symbols from public spaces.

I’m so glad you’re able to raise a wry smile.
I’m sure the people of Southport would return your smile, after all the British don’t riot do they?
And if you read my post PROPERLY, when you have finished your little smile, you will perhaps be able to comprehend that I don’t hate the flag at all, I hate the misappropriation by thugs to use it to try and intimidate.

OP posts:
Heronwatcher · 26/08/2025 18:38

I don’t think this will help.

Far better to “take back the flag” as meaning that the UK is a welcoming multicultural society.

Taking the flags down will just encourage people to put more up and make the arguments that have led to the rise of reform etc in the first place (namely that it’s impossible to state that you’re proud to be British/ English or want to discusss immigration without being branded a racist). Plus, as others have said, this will burn itself out once the weather turns shit and people go back to work/ school etc.

MyNameIsX · 26/08/2025 18:32

WhereIsMyJumper · 26/08/2025 18:08

I’m finding this whole flag debacle so quintessentially British that it’s making me smile.

On the one hand, you have a cohort of people feeling ‘a bit miffed’ at the ‘less than ideal’ situation of thousands of undocumented migrants entering the country and what do they do to protest? Murder? Pillage? No, they hang some flags and paint a few on some roundabouts.

Then you have the other side saying “see here, we don’t like that! This is not ideal!” And going out with their scissors to remove said flags.

It’s quite cute, really. This is the extent of how we will show how disgruntled we are, regardless of which ‘side’ you fall on.

Then there is the irony of being spectacularly unaware that the flag you hate so much represents a culture that is so tolerant, that you’re allowed to hate your own flag. And remove it without fear of retaliation from your government. I wonder what would happen if a citizen of North Korea removed national symbols from public spaces.

A great post, and some welcome context.

Verv · 26/08/2025 18:31

Longingdreamer · 26/08/2025 17:25

I am perplexed by how, in England, people so vehemently opposed the English flag, but don't mind Palestinian flags?

One council, bizarrely, said they would be removing the St. George's flags, but leaving the Palestinian ones, as they would be attacked if they removed them.

I think that about sums up how utterly fucked we are as a society.

I can’t see a way to row back from it tbh, which is why I’m so relieved to live in Scotland.

Dontletthebedbugsbite2 · 26/08/2025 18:25

AgnesX · 26/08/2025 17:53

You can spell? I'm surprised,. Maybe it's just an inability to read and comprehend.

Are you honestly okay? At no point have I said thats ridiculous long live the English flag nor have I said rip it down. I asked a question to better educate myself & several other posters have answered politely. You seem to have a wierd obsession with me ?pretending that I don't understand. I can't fathom it, you know, being from a different country.

WhereIsMyJumper · 26/08/2025 18:17

Longingdreamer · 26/08/2025 17:25

I am perplexed by how, in England, people so vehemently opposed the English flag, but don't mind Palestinian flags?

One council, bizarrely, said they would be removing the St. George's flags, but leaving the Palestinian ones, as they would be attacked if they removed them.

That’s Birmingham council I presume. Run by predominantly Muslim councillors.

WhereIsMyJumper · 26/08/2025 18:08

I’m finding this whole flag debacle so quintessentially British that it’s making me smile.

On the one hand, you have a cohort of people feeling ‘a bit miffed’ at the ‘less than ideal’ situation of thousands of undocumented migrants entering the country and what do they do to protest? Murder? Pillage? No, they hang some flags and paint a few on some roundabouts.

Then you have the other side saying “see here, we don’t like that! This is not ideal!” And going out with their scissors to remove said flags.

It’s quite cute, really. This is the extent of how we will show how disgruntled we are, regardless of which ‘side’ you fall on.

Then there is the irony of being spectacularly unaware that the flag you hate so much represents a culture that is so tolerant, that you’re allowed to hate your own flag. And remove it without fear of retaliation from your government. I wonder what would happen if a citizen of North Korea removed national symbols from public spaces.

AgnesX · 26/08/2025 17:53

Dontletthebedbugsbite2 · 26/08/2025 16:14

LOL ok. I asked because it is something I don't know about. Oh and maybe learn how to spell properly before patronising people.

You can spell? I'm surprised,. Maybe it's just an inability to read and comprehend.

Longingdreamer · 26/08/2025 17:25

I am perplexed by how, in England, people so vehemently opposed the English flag, but don't mind Palestinian flags?

One council, bizarrely, said they would be removing the St. George's flags, but leaving the Palestinian ones, as they would be attacked if they removed them.

Muffsies · 26/08/2025 17:23

OddTrek38 · 26/08/2025 15:24

I genuinely dont understand the hatred towards the british flag by british people. I understand the feelings of racism it leads to but why are we not allowed to stand up for our culture and beliefs? I'm all for integration of people struggling into our society but when we have people who dont want to integrate with us are we supposed to accept that and let the fabric of our society change to fit their norms? I dont understand how females can be so ignorant of the societal norms these people will bring. We fought and still fight for womens rights yet the people you seek to protect will destroy that.

Seeing a red cross messily daubed over my town's roundabout with tyre marks all over it (literally weeks after our council arranged for the road markings to be redone) is not making me feel particularly patriotic.

My dad used to fly the george flag during the world cup, and the union flag during royal or Olympic events, but this is something completely different. The people doing it are deliberately trying to provoke, not bring people together to make them proud, or to celebrate anything.

My brother saw one two of the flaggers yesterday, one was aggressively staring people down as they went past him. Like goading them to say something so he could kick off (phill mitchell style). It's pathetic, not patriotic. Its all performative nonsense.

However I think the flags should stay. Leave them dangling haphazardly all over the place creating a mess. They'll look absolutely awful by the time the rains and cold weather come along. The 'phil mitchells' will be tucked up warm in their homes and will have lost interest in a few weeks. Then we can move on from this nonsense.

SleeplessInWherever · 26/08/2025 17:22

OddTrek38 · 26/08/2025 17:20

My daughter was raped recently by a man of not British descent who in his defence said he didnt understand our culture and that she didnt want his advances. Please defend that and help me understand.

Are you asking me to defend a rapist?

I am genuinely sorry that your daughter, and you, have experienced that. It’s absolutely disgusting.

It’s not representative of every migrant, immigrant or person of non-British descent.

OddTrek38 · 26/08/2025 17:20

My daughter was raped recently by a man of not British descent who in his defence said he didnt understand our culture and that she didnt want his advances. Please defend that and help me understand.

SleeplessInWherever · 26/08/2025 17:19

OddTrek38 · 26/08/2025 17:16

Prove me wrong

Can’t be bothered, maybe have a read of some stuff. I’d recommend avoiding GB News.

OddTrek38 · 26/08/2025 17:16

Prove me wrong

SleeplessInWherever · 26/08/2025 17:00

OddTrek38 · 26/08/2025 16:24

And surely if we have own homegrown rapists to defend against we shouldn't be allowing people who dont understand that the rape of of child is wrong?

That is a humongous generalisation, and I think you know it is.

OddTrek38 · 26/08/2025 16:24

SleeplessInWherever · 26/08/2025 16:14

My wish and asks? I didn’t say I was wishing for being taken over by Sharia Law, so not sure where you’ve got that from.

If you’re passionate about women’s rights, try focussing on our own, homegrown, rapists and murderers, they’ll keep you busy.

I would feel certifiably more safe as a woman under any politician rather than Farage. Any.

And surely if we have own homegrown rapists to defend against we shouldn't be allowing people who dont understand that the rape of of child is wrong?

OddTrek38 · 26/08/2025 16:22

If you read my old posts you would see I've been subject to famial abuse.
I'm here talking about womens rights.

SleeplessInWherever · 26/08/2025 16:14

OddTrek38 · 26/08/2025 16:08

Be careful what you ask for. This country is changing dramatically, you may get your wish in a few years.
And for people asking no I dont want this nut job ideology but am passionate about womens rights

My wish and asks? I didn’t say I was wishing for being taken over by Sharia Law, so not sure where you’ve got that from.

If you’re passionate about women’s rights, try focussing on our own, homegrown, rapists and murderers, they’ll keep you busy.

I would feel certifiably more safe as a woman under any politician rather than Farage. Any.

Dontletthebedbugsbite2 · 26/08/2025 16:14

AgnesX · 26/08/2025 10:50

I have a low tolerance level for disgenuous behaviour.

LOL ok. I asked because it is something I don't know about. Oh and maybe learn how to spell properly before patronising people.

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