@mrjamesob.bsky.social A flag should be about pride. About unity. About celebrating who we are. That’s not what’s happening right now. These England flags going up everywhere? That’s not patriotism. That’s marking territory. That’s sending a message.
And the message is ugly: “This is ours. You don’t belong here.” That isn’t pride. That’s fear. That’s exclusion. That’s racism dressed up as tradition. Real patriotism doesn’t slam the door in someone’s face.
Real patriotis say: we are strong enough, proud enough, confident enough to welcome others in. To share our values — values of fairness, decency, tolerance — the values that have always made Britain worth being proud of.
When you turn the flag into a weapon, you betray it. You betray our history. You betray the very idea of Britain. Because the truth is this: our flag should say: We belong together, not you stay out.
Then let's reclaim it. "wow, you've put up loads of flags! What a brilliant idea! Let's put up loads more!" Then they'll get confused and start taking theirs down. (Works with 5 year olds so should be perfect.)