Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has described the emergence of Union Jack flags across Britain as a two-fingered salute to ‘our gutless leaders’ – and has boldly declared ‘patriotism is back’.
The straight-talking politician made his observation as swathes of St George and Union flags have appeared in recent weeks as part of a coordinated campaign across British towns and cities.
Known as Operation Raise the Colours, the movement has led to communities across the country hanging up flags in their streets, including in Bradford, Newcastle, Norwich and the Isle of Wight, in defiance of council bans.
As one wrote on social media: ‘I just feel that the time has come to all band together and refuse to be bullied, we are proud of our country and should not be made to feel otherwise.’
That sentiment was seen at the weekend, when an estimated 150,000 people marched through central London on Saturday to take part in the Tommy Robinson-organised rally, Unite The Kingdom.
The majority of participants draped themselves in England or Union Jack flags, or waved them high as they marched through central London.
Downing Street and Met Police chiefs have since condemned violence perpetuated by anti-migrant protesters after 26 officers were injured.
The rally is believed to have been the largest right-wing demonstration in British history.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has described the emergence of Union Jack flags across Britain as a two-fingered salute to ‘our gutless leaders’
That sentiment was seen when an estimated 150,000 people marched through central London on Saturday to take part in the Tommy Robinson-organised rally, Unite The Kingdom
Downing Street and Met Police chiefs have since condemned violence perpetuated by anti-migrant protesters after 26 officers were injured
Officers were kicked, punched and faced hurled bottles, flares and other projectiles, leaving them with injuries including broken teeth, a possible broken nose, a concussion, a prolapsed disc and a head injury, Met Police said.
Police said they faced ‘unacceptable violence’ as they sought to control the vast crowds.
Now Mr Farage has waded into the debate, calling the majority of participants ‘ordinary decent people’ – while distancing himself from Robinson and the attacks on police officers.
Writing in The Sun he said: ‘[We have] had enough of being called far-right simply because we believe in tough border controls and our national identity.’
He added: ‘We have had enough of gutless leaders who put the will of foreign courts above our national interest’.
A spokesperson for Keir Starmer said that while the prime minister is a supporter of free speech, he acknowledges there may have been some who felt ‘intimidated’ by the scenes at the weekend.
They said: ‘It can also be true there will be people around the country who will have seen the scenes at the weekend and feel intimidated and scared because of their background, the colour of their skin.’
