Patriotic campaigners behind a nationwide flag initiative have revealed the extent of hostile reactions they've encountered whilst attempting to display British symbols across the country.
Speaking to GB News, Elliot Stanley, who established Raise The Colours, expressed bewilderment at the antagonistic response his organisation has faced.
"We cannot understand why. There's a patronising, condescending tone when these people speak to us. We're only ever polite to people but the level of abuse we suffered has been extraordinary, to be honest," Mr Stanley stated.
Fellow organiser Ryan Bridge described feeling profoundly distressed by the backlash. "I am deeply upset. What we do is raise the colours. We need help and we're trying our hardest," he explained during the broadcast.
Elliot Stanley and Ryan Bridge spoke out on the horrific abuse they have suffered
|GB NEWS
National symbols erected in a Birmingham neighbourhood vanished within hours of their installation on Thursday evening.
Members of Raise The Colours had positioned Union and St George's Cross flags along Pershore Road in Stirchley, with volunteers ascending ladders to secure them to street lighting.
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The displays proved short-lived, however, as local residents removed them during the same night. The swift removal highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the campaign group's activities across Birmingham.
The initiative has generated significant controversy, with supporters characterising their efforts as a celebration of British heritage and national accomplishments. Critics, including anti-racism advocates, have raised concerns that the campaign carries political undertones and could foster community divisions.
Union Jack and St George's flags have been appearing in their hundreds across Britain in a movement referred to as 'raise the colours' | PAMr Bridge articulated his motivations for participating in the campaign, citing personal connections to national service.
"The country is completely under pressure and we think we're doing a nice, patriotic thing. My grandad died for this country. If we're putting the flag up, we're not doing it to stir up racial tensions, we feel it's a good thing," he told GB News.
The organiser reported receiving predominantly favourable responses, though a vocal minority has directed severe criticism towards the group.
"We get 90 per cent positive feedback but the 10 per cent comes from the white, liberal, middle class. I've been called 'knuckle-dragging scum' and a 'nonce'," Mr Bridge revealed.
Flags were erected in Birmingham, only for them to be torn down overnight
|RAISE THE COLOURS
He described experiencing particularly vicious attacks, including digitally manipulated images. "I've had a Swastika picture edited onto me.
"I've been called all sorts of names for doing what I think is right. The flag means all of us," he stated.
The campaign has garnered notable backing from diverse communities, according to Bridge. "The support we got from the Black community, the Asian community, the Nepalese community was absolutely brilliant," he emphasised during the interview.
Mr Bridge appealed for public assistance, directing supporters to the organisation's website at raisethecolours.org.uk.
Birmingham City Council has addressed the matter of flag displays on municipal infrastructure.
A council representative acknowledged the significance of British national symbols whilst emphasising safety protocols.
"Brummies are proud to be British and proud that this is a welcoming city celebrating many different cultures," the spokesperson stated.
The council clarified that whilst residents may display flags on private property, attachments to street furniture undergo routine removal due to health and safety requirements.