Masked men wearing Raise the Colours hoodies have been filmed harassing people in Stirchley. The incident occurred after the group learned that flags they had attached to lampposts along Pershore Road on Thursday evening were being removed.
Confrontation on Pershore Road
Tempers flared as Raise the Colours returned to the main road and directed a tirade of abuse at another group they labeled 'lefties'. Footage shows a man in a Raise the Colours hoodie and mask aggressively approaching people in the road and punching out at them, causing them to flinch. He then walks over to a woman at the side of the road and pulls down her mask. Expletives and phrases like 'you're an absolute disgrace' and 'you're a f***ing disgrace' can be heard, along with 'you're live on Facebook'.
Livestream and Reactions
Raise the Colours livestreamed the incident, which at one point attracted over 1,000 views. Oxfordshire County Council has already banned the group from placing flags across that county after residents were intimidated. Selly Oak MP Al Carns has written to Acting Chief Constable Scott Green, demanding action after his office received numerous reports of 'harassment, intimidation and physical assault' by the group. One woman was reportedly followed by three men after reporting an incident to an officer.
MP Carns stated: 'I am seriously concerned by reports of intimidation and violence in Stirchley yesterday and have written to West Midlands Police to highlight these issues. The Union Jack is a symbol of unity, not division, of patriotism, not polarisation. I condemn all attempts to hijack our flag and sew violence in our communities for political gain.'
Calls for Action
Birmingham Liberal Democrats have called for firm action from Birmingham City Council and West Midlands Police to prevent further public disorder. Councillor Roger Harmer said: 'We need to stand up against those who seek to divide us, whether for political gain or social media clicks. I love our national flag, and it is vital we ensure it remains a symbol of unity rather than being used as a tool for creating division in our society. It is time for urgent action by the Council and Police to stop escalating public disorder.'
It has been nearly four months since a major petition was submitted to Birmingham City Council, calling for action against organized groups unlawfully erecting flags and intimidating residents. The council confirmed in January that it is taking action, yet the organized flag operations have continued. Options available to councils include recovering costs incurred when removing flags from those who put them up.
