Copyright expressandstar
Police were called to the neighbourhood last weekend to keep apart residents and a group responsible for hanging England and Union flags across the city. Some locals claimed they felt ‘intimidated’ by the group and organised a ‘love not hate’ meet-up on the Saturday. Raise the Colours, which has returned to Stirchley several times with cherry pickers to replace flags that had been taken down, said volunteers were there to ‘just start a conversation’, the publication adds. “I don’t want anyone to be intimidated,” Elliott Stanley, co-founder of the flag movement, reportedly said. “I refute that. We’re not trying to intimidate anyone at all.” Al Carns, the Labour MP who represents the area, this week released a statement saying he was “deeply concerned and disappointed” to learn of reports of intimidation towards Stirchley businesses. “These acts are wholly unacceptable and undermine the safety, security and well-being of our residents, visitors and workers,” Mr Carns, a former Royal Marine, said. “Stirchley has long been a vibrant, diverse and welcoming place where people from all backgrounds come together to live, work and shop. “Our independent shops and businesses form the backbone of our local economy and contribute to the unique character and spirit of this area. “When one business is targeted, the effects ripples through the whole community. “I want to make clear: intimidation of residents and business owners will not be tolerated.” He continued: “I urge everyone in our community to stand together. “Community cohesion, mutual respect and constructive dialogue are far more powerful than acts of intimidation. “Let us reaffirm our commitment to a Stirchley where people feel safe and free to go about their daily lives without threat.” Raise The Colours say they stand for unity and patriotism but some Birmingham residents have expressed scepticism of their true intentions and claim they are stoking division. The ‘love not hate’ gathering in Stirchley on the Saturday was backed by a number of Birmingham councillors. Coun David Barker said: “Stirchley residents put on a family event, with music and chalk for kids, to show we can celebrate our city. “The community came together to say we won’t allow our nations’ flags to be used to divide us or intimidate our neighbours. I’m proud to be born and raised in Stirchley.” Coun Mary Locke, who has lived in Stirchley for more than 50 years, also stood with the locals, adding: “The people here don’t want this. We’re welcoming and friendly. We’re inclusive.” One Stirchley resident said: “We don’t want a battle of Stirchley. We just want to be left in peace.” Amid the tense scenes in Stirchley, Raise The Colours claimed on social media that “agitators from Antifa” were present. The flag group has been contacted for comment about Al Carns’ remarks. A Birmingham City Council spokesperson said previously the local authority “recognises the importance of the Union flag and flag of St George as symbols of national pride”. “Brummies are proud to be British and proud that this is a welcoming city celebrating many different cultures,” they said. “When it comes to items attached to lampposts, it is normal council procedure for these to be removed on a regular basis, in line with our health and safety obligations. “As has always been the case, people are free to fly or hang flags from their homes or gardens, but we ask they are not attached to street furniture.”
