‘We want to live in a community where everyone feels welcome.’
Over 300 Birmingham residents have now signed the #BrumTogether statement, expressing concern about the growing number of national flags appearing on lamp-posts and roundabouts across our city. Many of those signing have left heartfelt messages declaring their love of our diverse and welcoming city and their fears that that could change.
The Brum Together statement
“We are proud to live in Birmingham, a city built by many cultures, stories and traditions. Our diversity is our strength, and that’s what makes this place home. There is nothing wrong with people flying a national flag from their home. But when flags appear across our streets in a coordinated campaign, we should ask: is this about shared pride, or something more divisive? True pride is inclusive. The best way to show love for Birmingham is not through one symbol alone, but through celebrating everyone who calls this city home.”
Read more about the statement from Birmingham Race Impact Group, and coverage in the Birmingham Mail.
Several different organisations are supporting the Brum Together statement. These include Birmingham Friends of the Earth, Birmingham Climate Justice Coalition, Birmingham Race Impact Group, Birmingham NEU, Stand Up To Racism Birmingham, ChangeKitchen CIC and Woodcraft Folk, South Birmingham District. The organisers note that:
“The flags are presented as expressions of patriotism, and it must be recognised that many decent people in Birmingham see the flags as just this. But it has been extensively reported in the media that those leading the ‘raise the colours’ campaign, both in Birmingham and across the country are not being honest about their politics. They are part of a far-right, racist movement that is characterised by hatred of migrants and Muslims.”
As an alternative, the #raisethelove flag (pictured) was created by artist Kaytee De Wolfe aiming to “reclaim the power of symbols, offering them back as a reflection of solidarity.” Stickers featuring the flag are available from Peace Hub, donations towards the artist’s printing costs are appreciated.
Why Brummies are supporting Brum Together
When signing, people were asked to say why they support Brum Together statement. Here are people’s responses:
These comments are made by individuals (or organisations where specified) explaining their own views and motivations for supporting the statement, and are not on behalf of the organisers or other supporters of the statement.
Everyone should have the right to live without fear.
– Memoona, Birmingham
I am appalled and frightened by the rise of right wing extremism rhetoric and actions across the UK and in Birmingham! And I want to stand up against this racism, nationalism, homophobia, trans phobia and all the other OTHERING going on! Let’s stand together!
– Birgit, Kings Heath
We r 1
– Usma, Billesley
[I signed this statement] to stand up for equal rights, unity, justice, peace and love , so all are made welcome in our community
– Tim, Birmingham
I’m concerned about how this flag campaign is being organised and by who. They claim it’s to be patriotic but the videos I have seen look more divisive and less about inclusion. Majority of Brummies are kind, compassionate and welcoming people. We don’t want division and hatefulness to take over our home.
– Salma, Moseley
I lived in Birmingham for 10+ years and now I work in the city. I’m proud of its diversity, not any division people might try to create. I loved living in a vibrant, busy, multicultural city.
– Emma, Lichfield/Balsall Heath
I feel the flag campaign is divisive and I’m very unhappy about a flag being flown directly outside my property when the campaign is supported by known racists
– Mari, Weoley Hill
Concerned about underlying motives of Operation Raise the colours.
– Narendra, Bournville/Weoley Hill
[I signed this statement] to challenge the campaign to define nationalism as far right, and value diversity
– John, Cotteridge
[I signed this statement] because it is a peaceful way to make a statement that all are welcome.
– Jonathan, Selly Oak
I find the flags hanging very disturbing and menacing.
– Sylvette, Selly Oak
The diversity of its people make Birmingham the vibrant, successful, multi-talented and hopefully caring city that it is today!
– Jill, Moseley
It is important to show that anti-racism and anti-fascism is part of our culture. I felt welcome when I moved here from London 21 years ago because so many global cultures have blended together to form a lovely Brummie culture. It feels homely and I will not sit by while racists seek to divide our communities.
– Tracy, Birmingham
The far-right are coordinating across the country to intimidate communities, with riots and violence being used against immigrants and those people think are immigrants. Put simply it’s racism. And the growth of flags along roads is a clear sign of this development, they are a threat. We must make sure everyone in our communities are safe from the violence they have already done and the violence they are likely to commit in the future.
– Louis, Balsall Heath
It’s completely disingenuous for anyone to suggest that these flags have been put up to be anything other than intimidating.
In the current climate, with growing racial tensions, stoked by known and prominent far right and fascist groups, this overt display of the England flag is a clear message to anyone not seen to be English, that they aren’t welcome. Anyone suggesting otherwise is not being honest with themselves.
I am a White British woman and I hate seeing the flags and painted roundabouts.
English and British values aren’t being eroded, we aren’t losing our culture and suggestions that we are is what stokes threatening displays such as these. The flags don’t make me proud, they make me sad and deeply concerned for the future of our beautifully diverse city.
– Kate, Billesley
I’m proud of where I live and believe all are equal.
– Kulbir, Bournville
[I signed this statement] to assert the right of everyone to feel pride in their city.
– Mohamad, Birmingham
The people weaponising these flags are crying crocodile tears.
– Blake, Edgbaston
I think it is important Brum remains a welcoming City.
– Richard, Bournville
[I signed this statement] to make it clear how plastering flags like this sends a very divisive message
– Paul, Stirchley
We are one.
– Yoke, Northfield
I’m a fighting for an anti-racist Birmingham
– Jagwant, Wylde Green
Solidarity
– Jane, Selly Oak
I’m concerned about the hi-jacking of the England and union flags by far right groups. ‘Operation Raise the Colours’ is clearly an orchestrated campaign which only serves to stoke division and hate.
– Kirsten, Moseley
Pride is inclusive, not divisive
– Andrew, Bournville
Solidarity
– Alex, Weoley Castle
I find the use of our National Flag in this way inappropriate and may be cause of local divisiveness and will not encourage inclusiveness for all Birmingham citizens
– Gwyneth, Weoley Hill
Inclusiveness is a principle I fully support having lived in Birmingham for 50 years
– Tom, Weoley Hill
As an ex British soldier, I am proud to serve this country as my uncle did in the ww2 in Burma.
– Ashfaq, Solihull
I am signing because I value diversity, not bigotry.
– Steve, South Birmingham
Those flags should be taken down.
– Liz, Bournville
Huge concern about the divisive nature of the street flag campaign
– David, Weoley Hill
To live in a world without hate and division and have a future with hope!”
– Lakhbir, South Birmingham
I am appalled by the racist attitude of the people putting up the flags.
– Chris, Selly Oak/Weoley Hill
I agree with the statement
– Ranjit, Halesowen
We need to stand together against racism and incipient fascism
– Andy, Kings Heath
Dominant forms of nationalism exclude and oppress in ways that deflect attention from how those with too much wealth and power cause the problems so many of us face.
– John, Ladywood
I embrace the diversity and culture of our city.
– Rose, Balsall Heath
I’m proud to call Birmingham home because of its inclusivity. We must protect and nurture this, ensuring that everyone feels valued, safe and respected.
– Alison, North Edgbaston
Unity is strength. We must not let a few rowdy racists spoil our city.
– Jules, Sparkhill
I am very concerned about the flags. They just create division within our communities.
– Caroline, North Edgbaston
I agree wholeheartedly with the statement and am very concerned about the number of British and English flags suddenly appearing in public places. Nothing wrong with national pride, nor with reclaiming our flag, but I am rather suspicious of the true intentions of those displaying the flags. If their purpose is straightforward, honest and inclusive, why the secrecy?
– Jill, Bournville
I have no problem with flying flags on official and other flagpoles and on homes but this rash of flags is over the top and invites comparison with places where there is division and conflict. It is not simply pride or patriotism it is designed to mark territory and sow division.
– Brian, Weoley
I want to live in a community where everyone is welcome.
– Claire, Cotteridge
I feel deeply disturbed and upset by all the flags and how they do not represent a welcoming and inclusive city.
– Debbie, Harborne
Flags have been put up in public areas without consultation of residents, with political and sinister intent as an anti-immigrant symbol, using the flag as a tool for hate and division. Not least lamp posts are Highways property, it is not for a small number of men to make this decision. The Council should be removing for public safety as well as highways safety. No one should be made to feel unwelcome in their own country and local area. I am not impressed with BCC inaction on this.
– Noreen, Rednal
The St George’s Cross makes me feel unwelcome, unacknowledged and unsafe.
– Meena,Hall Green
I am grateful to live in a city that thrives on diversity.
– Fran , Balsall Heath
Sadly the flags make me feel uncomfortable
– Louise, Alvechurch
I see the huge amount of Union Flags and George crosses across our city as not only illegal but very xenophobic, masquerading as patriotic. It’s a dangerous thing for our city.
– Ben, Kings Norton
I am an immigrant, I am a friend, mother, neighbour, voter, and Brummie. I want to live in a tolerant, welcoming and inclusive place we can all call home.
– Caroline, Sutton Coldfield
I don’t feel as though these flags are being used as symbols of appreciation for England but as a symbol of divide and a way to make people feel unwelcome and I don’t agree with this. Everyone has a right to live here and be free from intimidation, discrimination and cruelty. I sign this because I want the communities who have been targeted by extreme right wing groups and intimidation tactics to know that they are welcome here and that the treatment they face is not tolerated.
– Emily, Bournville
Fully support this statement- thanks for the campaign. When there were all the terrible anti asylum seeker protests in England last year, I felt proud that there weren’t really any disturbances in our diverse city. This recent flag mounting may be (thankfully) non violent in itself but grooms the pernicious narrative that is simmering in this country; that only whites are “real” or trustworthy English people.
– Naomi, Cotteridge/ Bournville
Celebrating national pride and heritage is great and I heartily encourage this. But what we are seeing is not that. It’s a brutal, cruel display of othering and intimidation in an attempt to launder their racism as something more palatable.
– Charlie, Northfield
I don’t want people to feel unwelcome or unwanted, our city is for everyone. I want our national flag to find a new meaning and not be stolen by the bigoted and brainwashed.
– Lucy, Kings Heath and Northfield
I object to the ‘English’ flag being flown by the Neanderthal thinking mob.
– Les, Birmingham
Very upset with this new wave of racism.
– Joy, Sparkbrook
I would like to take the hostility, aggression, and racism out of flying the union flag or the St George’s flag so that it’s more inclusive.
– Juliet, Stirchley
F Nazis
– Sacha, Ladywood
I’m proud to be a Brummie in our multicultural city. I believe in and live for an anti-racist society. So I continue this good fight.
– Shirin, Kings Heath
The people organising the “”Raise the Colours”” flagsplosion are far-right nasties who seek to divide us from our neighbours. We should all stand together against them.
– Jane, Balsall Heath
I like unity and I believe that people must be treated equally
– Faith, Dudley
Signing to show unity
– Alison, Stirchley
I care about Birmingham
– Tom, Kings Norton
More unity, less BS
– Ed, Handsworth
I signed because I love this city
– Claudia, Small Heath
I live in a vibrant diverse community.
– Vanessa, Bearwood
I’m concerned that these symbols are divisive and could provide flashpoints for trouble. I love how multicultural Brum is and don’t want to lose our love and respect for all our neighbours
– Katy, Moseley
I find the flags divisive and politically motivated.
– Danielle, South Birmingham
To stand up for different cultures and to stand against idiots
– Vicky, Kings Norton
Divisive, provocative, passive aggressive. Together we are stronger.
– Malcolm, Selly Oak
The rise in fascism and hate against migrants and asylum seekers, many of whom are still in the minority compared to most European countries.
– Jasmine, Selly Oak
My city of 1000 trades is also a city of 1000 cultures and that makes it stronger and more vibrant and I wouldn’t change that for the world.
– Josie, Selly Oak
I feel putting up the St George cross and union Jack flags everywhere is nationalistic, non inclusive, discriminatory and breeds racism.
– Jo, Balsall Heath
I don’t know who put the flags up or why. It is probably a far right organisation which I am wholly against.
– Katy, Bournville
The coordinated flags worry me and I don’t think they represent the majority of Brum of any race
– Helga, Moseley
I agree.
– Natalie, Acocks Green
Keep Birmingham for everyone
– Tom, Dad’s Lane
We are an inclusive city where everyone is welcome
– Rebecca, Boldmere, Sutton Coldfield
Birmingham is my home, and I love it
– Sifuabid, Aston
I want to be part of a group that promotes inclusion, diversity and acceptance. One Love to all like minded citizens.
– Deb, Kings Heath
A collective momentum to redress systemic and societal racism is critical in our home City
– Tina, Solihull
I find it entitled that anyone who assume we all want to see these flags. Not for one minute do I think those putting up the flags don’t know how divisive their actions are. They know exactly what they’re doing!!
– Katherine, West Heath
I’m happy to see people flying a flag from their homes but cheap flags at half mast across our city is a bit of a mess. Perhaps, discuss how we can change the narrative around the flag however.
– Jenny, Edgbaston
I want all people to be treated equally and not be hounded by faux nationalism – it’s OUR flag, let’s reclaim it, attach peace and love flags to them, start flying the Union Jack at protests when we defend asylum seekers. We are going to welcome asylum seekers and refugees into our country, and our Union Jack is about Unity. Take back the flag.
– Jae, Hall Green
[I’m signing this statement] to reassure people seeking refuge that I support them
– Laurence, Cotteridge
I believe Birmingham is a welcoming city that celebrates diversity and inclusion
– Liz, Birmingham
[I’m signing this statement] because it’s the right thing to do
– Mark, Kings Heath
Saddened and upset by presence of England flags on lampposts and the intimidating and divisive spirit this creates.
– Alastair, Selly Oak
I describe myself as an adopted Brummie. Of all the places I have lived, Birmingham is the place that I have felt most at home and most wanted to put down roots. It is its vibrant diversity that has made me feel so welcome: the fact that I can travel the world without going anywhere, the fact that I have friends, neighbours and people I have come to call family from every continent. That is what I want to celebrate and protect.
– Steph, Winson Green
Diversity is strength
– Verity, Stirchley
Anti-intimidation
– Deborah, Cotteridge
I moved to Birmingham 2 years ago from rural Wales, specifically because the city is a diverse melting pot of cultures and influences that have helped shape the amazing city that it is today. The city would not have become the UK’s industrial heartland without the skills and people from across the globe and who are now mostly much more Brummie than me. I am really worried for ordinary Birmingham residents who are being frightened and harassed in a campaign that seems to be aimed at dividing people up rather than uniting us all.
– Sian, Kings Heath
I’m disturbed by all of the flags around Solihull. It’s intimidating, offensive and hopefully not representative of our community.
– Sarah, Solihull
We need to celebrate diversity not create more division.
– Wenke, Solihull
Birmingham is a great place to live in all its diversity
– Ian, Kings Heath
The appearance of the St George flags makes those of minority ethnicity uncomfortable.
– Helen, Handsworth
Diversity is our strength and to grow and continue to be strong we all need to respect difference- I will wave the flag at the football on Saturday – that’s ok. Waving the flag in my neighbours face to suggest primacy is not
– Lisa, Kings Heath
I came to Birmingham 30 years ago and stayed because there was a real sense of community, of unity, of togetherness. But the flags going up are anything but. They are about excluding, not including people. They have been put up to say that the many communities that make Brum are wrong. That’s not my Brum, and I don’t think it’s the Brum that so many people love.
– Doug, Birmingham
I want to live in a safe inclusive kind city
– Kieran, Kings Heath
Flags – we all know locally that’s it’s about anti-immigration. I’ve witnessed public displays of racist sentiment in the months preceding. Fed up of the patriotic spin.
– Georgette, Northfield
Peace and Unity
– Helen, Kings Heath
We are all connected, we all deserve to live our lives in a safe, secure place with dignity and respect. There’s nothing wrong with showing patriotism for your country for everyone who lives here. But this display should not be used to frighten people who have the right to be here, or who have chosen this great country as a sanctuary from all the horrendous conflicts going on in the world. If people call themselves Christians, then they should remember the parable of the Good Samaritan.
– Jenny, Kings Heath
The motivation behind those flags is clearly based on a far-right extremist rhetoric and I’m deeply concerned about the division this may create in our community. The council should be taking these down immediately.
– Daniel, Northfield
Solidarity with asylum seekers and refugees. Multiculturalism enriches our lives and I love living in Birmingham and want it to remain welcoming and kind. These flags have been raised for the wrong reasons and I feel ashamed when I see them. Nothing the far right do make me proud of this country but the kindness I see in people everyday does.
– Leonie, Northfield
We are living in divisive times
– Caroline
I want my neighbours to feel safe and welcome
– Osh
I’m against racism & the commandeering of our flags by the far-right
– David
I want everyone in our community to feel safe and valued.
– Jo, Selly Park
We are a United Birmingham, not racist
– Matthew, Hall Green
I shouldn’t feel fearful in my city. Right now I do.
– Daniella, Edgbaston
We are and have always been a diverse community. Hospitality is part of our culture of welcome.
– Pat, Birmingham
I oppose racism and find the flags offensive
– Kathleen, Cotteridge
Our city belongs to us all and our diversity is one of the things that make it great.
– Amy, Sutton Coldfield
Hate racism, love community
– Ellie, Stirchley
Brum shows the haters that multi culturalism works and we can make it even better
– Julian, Sparkhill
I feel more than ever, we need to show that we are united as a community. Not allow racism, religion or anything else divide us.
– Tasneem, Winson Green
Everyone is welcome here
– Taryn, Stirchley
Because creeping fascism must be defeated
– James, Quinton
I believe we are more powerful together.
– Free, B19
I am an anti-racist
– Vicky, B14
I am an immigrant of almost 30 years and a woman who finds recent events intimidating, and upsetting. It is divisive and fuels fear in an environment facing so many challenges we should be pulling together to address.
– Caroline, Wylde Green
It’s clearly the far right staking out territory
– Andy, Kings Heath
I am an immigrant of almost 30 years and a woman who finds recent events intimidating, and upsetting. It is divisive and fuels fear in an environment facing so many challenges we should be pulling together to address.
– Caroline, Wylde Green
Seeing flags in these numbers is reminiscent of either repressive regimes of the ultra-far right. Seeing them combined with the anti-immigrant rhetoric going on is reminiscent of nothing so much as literal Nazism. It’s disturbing and upsetting in the extreme.
– Sophie, Brandwood
This is important
– Shazia,Stirchley
As an adopted Brummie of 8 years, I’m so proud to call this city my home
– David, Billesley
Birmingham is better united together
– Jess, Brandwood
Concern about rising hate and division in society fostered by the far right
– Stephen, Birmingham
Because I love this country and I love its people: white, black, brown, straight, gay, bisexual – no matter the identity, we are all English. And we can only build a better world together.
– Idris, Acocks Green
Fed up with racism
– Stef, Bournville
I was born in the 70’s in Birmingham.
Went through from school to University to work, all in Birmingham.
My deceased parents are both buried in Birmingham cemeteries.
My brothers families all live in and work in Birmingham.
My 3 sons have been born and raised and educated in Birmingham. My eldest is studying at Birmingham University. He also works in Birmingham when his lectures and classes allow.
Birmingham is all I’ve known and all my family have known and all my children have known.”
– Kauser, Wilde Green.
Bringing people together
– Hussein, Billesley
Because the diversity in Birmingham is something I’m proud of
– Steph Selly Oak
Everyone should feel welcome and included.
– Carl, Stirchley
I’m a Brummie, and my city has never been racist, these flags are causing so many problems, we welcome everybody except the idiots that are putting them up.
– Tracy, Oldbury
These flags appearing all over my estate and in nearby places do not represent me. People of different ethnicities are not what is causing crime and dissatisfaction but constant and decades long cuts to spending on services, amenities, closing of local shops and high streets and the increase in cost of food and heating and fuel, and an increasing inability to make ends meet. These factors and the lack of, good quality, affordable housing are all increasing poverty and quality of life. These factors affect many and especially those most disadvantaged in our areas.
It’s convenient for governments, politicians and the media to ‘other’ groups and point the finger of blame. It takes attention away from their failures. We are not stupid.
Crime is not confined to particular ethnic groups. Violence against women is mostly by perpetrators known to the woman (ie in their own home).
Let’s start by saying hello, making eye contact, stopping for a brief chat with people who are not like us and seeing how much we have in common and how much we care about the same things. And let’s counter these flags with something friendlier and more welcoming.
I applaud the council’s decision to take the flags down. This is not our city.
#ProudofmyCity #ProudofBirmingham #bekind
– Jackie, New Oscott
I’m incensed by the people abusing the flag to intimidate asylum seekers outside the Ramada hotel.
– Andy, Sutton Coldfield
The nationalist rhetoric and the flags are threatening to non-white people in our community as they embolden far right elements. The far right have harassed people at the asylum seekers hotel and some are organising gangs to patrol streets with violence.
– Ben, Sutton Coldfield
Birmingham United!
– Pal, Kings Heath
Flags are a symbol that mean different things to different people, but it is clear that those putting up these flags have links to the far-right and, despite their protestations, are not doing so to bring unity to our city. The flags are being attached to lampposts without permission and without consultation with local residents, by people who do not live in the communities concerned. The flaggers have engaged in harassment of anyone who dares to question or challenge their motives.
– Laurence, Stirchley
We cannot allow our flag to be hijacked by a racist fringe
– Alex, Kings Heath
I love Birmingham’s diversity and don’t want hatred to ruin communities
– Silvana, Harborne
Worried about the racist sentiments the flag represents (for some of those supporting flag flying).
– Emma, Selly Oak
We only find unity and equality, in a fully inclusive respect for people of all diverse identities and cultures and communities… Love Brum, love all of its residents, wherever their journey has brought them from!
– Ed, Moseley
I love Birmingham and its people
– Kate, Bournville Because I love the UK and love all cultures in it
– Christian, Quinton
This is my beautifully diverse city that has enriched my time on this planet immeasurably and we need to take back the flag.
– Keith, Hockley
I don’t like the divisive politics being peddled and stoked by the far right.
– Siobhan, Kings Heath
This fake patriotism is divisive and plays into the hands of politicians of all stripes and the ruling classes, who love to divide and conquer the masses
– Dave, Northfield
I signed because I hate racism.
– Cathy, Bearwood
We’re so much better together.
– Chris, Bournville
We live in such a beautiful, diverse, multicultural,inclusive city. Let’s keep it that way. It costs nothing to be kind and supportive towards others.
– Sarah, Bournville
Because of the rise of racism in the area, we need to be united against it.
– Amber, Kingstanding
Proud of Brum’s diversity
– Nahim, Balsall Heath
Brum is a brilliant multicultural city, where everyone has the right to feel safe. A small minority of people are exploiting people’s genuine fears around cost of living etc. And using national flags to intimidate rather than bring people together.
– Mike, Quinton
To support & advocate for unity and anti-racism and anti-far right
– Helen, Birmingham
Unnecessary tension being stirred up by bad actors with agendas
– Chris, Selly Park
Racism in any form is totally unacceptable
– Paul and Bridget, Kings Norton
I live here & I’m f****** sick of this. Two racists with a cherry picker insist on reflagging the lamppost outside my home again & again.
– Josie, Cotteridge
I think the flags are part of a far-right initiative that I don’t like.
– Andrew, Selly Oak
We all know what the flag means in this context, and we’ve had enough!
– Paul, Stirchley
Birmingham must stand together against those who seek division and hatred. United together makes us stronger.
– Birmingham Race Impact Group
We support this open statement as an organisation based on principles of social justice and equality.
– Woodcraft Folk- South Birmingham District
United We Stand and Divided We Fall. This has been our community unity slogan from the 1950s against far right campaigns designed to make us the targets of racist, scapegoat us for societies social injustices and divide us. We must come together to defend our communities from what the flag campaign is signal.
– Indian Workers Association
We can’t have communities feeling they are being targeted from what the flags represent, given our lived experience of fighting racism and fascism. Raising the flags campaign started in Birmingham before spreading nationally, so we have a responsibility to challenge it by working with communities to ensure we remain united and don’t become divided by it.
– Shaheed Udham Singh Welfare Centre
ChangeKitchen CIC actively opposes any racism and other right wing extremism.
– ChangeKitchen CIC, Balsall Heath