Just One Question

Operation Raise the Flag - or “Raise the Colours,” if you’re feeling grand - is sold as a harmless display of patriotism. Just ordinary Brits zip‑tying Union Flags to lampposts and painting roundabouts for the love of country. Nothing political, nothing divisive, just good old‑fashioned pride (and a bit of criminal damage to roundabouts and zebra crossings).

Except it isn’t. Scratch the surface and you find Tommy Robinson’s network, Britain First’s funding, and EDL hangovers pulling the strings. The lead organiser, Andy Saxon, has long‑documented ties to Robinson, and Britain First didn’t bulk‑buy hundreds of flags out of some sudden passion for community spirit. This isn’t organic; it’s orchestrated.

So here’s the litmus test: pose one simple question to those cheering on this mindless activity -

“What’s your opinion of migrant hotels?”

That’s when the patriotism mask slips. Suddenly, the flag‑waving turns into tirades about “illegals,” “freeloaders,” “our culture under attack,” and Farage‑flavoured conspiracies about “taking back control.” Those who don’t rant tend to fall silent, which says just as much.

One question is all it takes. The real motive isn’t bunting or civic pride - it’s grievance, resentment, and an anti‑immigration agenda dressed up as patriotism.