Labour MP Labels St George’s Flag Flyers as Extremists

A Labour MP has publicly condemned individuals flying the St George’s Cross, describing them as “extremists” who intimidate the wider community. Clive Lewis, MP for Norwich South, made these comments following the display of flags on lamp posts near the Brook Hotel, a facility currently housing migrants in his constituency. The flags appeared about a week ago, prompting a backlash from the local official.

Mr. Lewis criticized Norfolk County Council for its inaction regarding the flags, which have become a focal point of tension in the area. In recent weeks, the hotel has seen significant protests, with many local residents expressing their opposition to housing asylum seekers. Counter-demonstrators have also participated, indicating a divided community.

In an interview with the Eastern Daily Press, Mr. Lewis stated, “Most people say they fly the St George’s Cross out of pride – and that’s probably even true for some of those putting them on lampposts. But far-right groups are using these flags to mark territory and intimidate the vast majority who reject their extreme views.”

He further elaborated on his concerns, asserting that the flag’s appropriation by extremist groups threatens the unity it once represented. “They’re trying to drag the flag back into being just their flag, only for their purposes of division and intolerance,” he said. “I’ve raised residents’ concerns with the county council – they can’t look the other way when extremists use our streets to send an intimidating message.”

In December, Mr. Lewis faced guidance from Norfolk Constabulary advising him not to attend any counter-demonstrations after he participated in a protest at the hotel. Authorities expressed concern that his presence might elevate tensions between opposing groups.

In response to Mr. Lewis’s calls for the removal of the flags, a spokesperson for Norfolk County Council stated that the council is “not prioritizing” the removal efforts at this time. Instead, they are focusing on “more urgent” highway issues. The spokesperson added, “We’re aware of a small number of locations where flags have been attached to street lights. While the council does not encourage people to put flags up on lampposts and other street furniture and does not regard these as long-term features, the council will not prioritize the removal of such flags over any more urgent highway activity.”

The situation at the Brook Hotel is indicative of broader national tensions surrounding migration policies. Recent protests intensified following a ruling from the Court of Appeal that overturned an injunction sought by Epping Forest District Council to prevent the Bell Hotel from accommodating asylum seekers.

As communities grapple with these ongoing issues, the actions and rhetoric surrounding symbols like the St George’s Cross continue to evoke strong emotions and varied interpretations.