Labour MP brands flag-raising campaigners as extremists

In the UK, a Labour MP, Clive Lewis, has publicly labeled individuals involved in an anti-mass migration campaign that involves raising the England flag as extremists. The controversy follows the display of England's St George's Cross and the Union Jack outside a migrant hotel in Bowthorpe, where Lewis represents his constituents. While some members of the community see the flag as a symbol of national pride, Lewis argues that far-right groups exploit these symbols to intimidate those who oppose their extreme views. He expressed concern over these acts, stating the flags are a means of marking territory and fostering division rather than uniting people. This conflict gained further attention as Lewis highlighted rising tensions in his constituency. He noted that while some locals may raise the flags from a place of patriotism, the underlying motivations are oftentimes associated with racism and far-right ideologies. In response to this uprising of patriotic displays, Lewis has raised residents' concerns with the local county council, urging them to address what he perceives as a rise in extremist rhetoric in the streets. The MP has faced police warnings previously for his involvement in counter-demonstrations against the protests supporting the migrant hotel, where he condemned some demonstrators as racists and fascists. Adding to the complexity of these protests, other politicians and commentators have also denounced the flag-raising campaign as racist. For instance, left-wing academic Kehinde Andrews has stated that the use of the St George's Cross and the Union Jack is representative of white supremacy. However, public sentiment seems to lean towards support for these efforts, with a recent survey indicating that a majority of Britons favor seeing more national flags displayed publicly. In contrast to the national outcry surrounding the flag displays, the local authorities, particularly Norfolk County Council, have chosen not to prioritize the removal of these flags unless they interfere with urgent community activities. This decision has drawn criticism from various political spectrums, especially those advocating for a more inclusive representation of national identity. Despite the backlash from within his own party, Keir Starmer, the Labour leader, has taken a more neutral stance, expressing support for flags in general and acknowledging their significance as symbols of national pride. He stated that he keeps a St George's Cross in his residence and views it as an important emblem of the nation.