England flags on lampposts group organises protest in Sheffield city centre
An organisation which puts flags on lampposts for money is organising a protest in the city centre.
Raise The Flags Sheffield says the intention is to peacefully protest against the Labour government, ‘which treats the British people like second class citizens’.
It is also demanding the government ‘protects our rights and safety above all’ and to ‘restore our country back to our beautiful country it once was’.
It also makes claims about asylum seekers.
The protest is on Saturday, April 4.
‘Raise The Colours Sheffield’ charges £10 to put up two 3ftx5ft flags, its Facebook page states. It is running a GoFundMe which has raised more than £1,000.
A rival group says it has removed hundreds of flags from public property including lampposts.
SCARF, Sheffield Communities Against Racism & Fascism, said hundreds of people have contacted them for advice.
St George and union flags started appearing last summer. The practice became popular among people who say they are motivated by patriotism.
But others believe it aims to intimidate minorities and asylum seekers at a time when tensions are running high over immigration.
It is illegal to attach flags to council-owned assets, such as lampposts and bridges, unless permission is granted by authorities.
The Highways Act 1980 prohibits placing or attaching anything to a public highway without consent and bans the placing of any items that could cause danger, obstruction, or distraction.