Not Hamas or Al Qaeda flags. Obviously. The bad kind of flags. The flags of England.
After a rash of incidents of the flags of England being flown in public and police officers being caught on video seizing them or otherwise removing those flying them, the Sussex police have a statement.
“In less fractious times, seeing your flag normally instils feelings of belonging and pride,” Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Katy Bourne said. “It is clear, however, that in some places, the appearance of flags is making some communities feel deliberately targeted and intimidated. That may or may not be the intention of those putting the flags up but it is clearly creating anxiety and potential flashpoints.”
“Local authorities have reported that their staff and contractors have been abused and threatened when removing flags from council property – mainly for safety reasons and to prevent potential breaches of the peace.”
We are aware of the recent increase in the displaying of flags across Sussex and the impact it is having on our communities.
Recognising there are varied motivations for people’s decision to display flags, we cannot ignore that their presence is creating different feelings amongst the public.
We know from our ongoing community engagement, some people feel intimidated and targeted – not by the flag itself, but by the perceived motivation for its display. For these reasons, we would like to provide clarity on the police response so the public understand our position.
Then they go on to explain how they’ll crack down on flags. (Not Islamic flags obviously. Perish the thought.)
Police said people feel “intimidated and targeted” as St George’s flags continue to appear across the county.
Over the last few months, St George’s flags have appeared across the country as part of a national movement called “Operation Raise the Colours.”
James MacCleary, MP for Lewes, reported last week that some of his constituents felt “intimidated walking to the shops or taking their kids to school”, which he said was “appalling.”
“It is time for these flags to come down,” he added.
And the flags of Pakistan to fly instead.
But while the police will scurry off to stop flags from being flown, they’ll do nothing about Muslim sex grooming gangs and Hamas rallies.
