Fly the flag

[malumbu]

I'll be having my second visit to part of the country where the lampposts are festooned with flags of St George and the Union flag.  I'm finding it uncomfortable. This is directly related to the Epping protest/far right groups.

There is plenty of discussion on our rights to fly the flag and be proud of our nation.  Slogans such as 'we got rid of Adolf, now we need to get rid of Abdul', do not give me pride in some of my fellow country people.

There is much talk about communities that are 'left behind', I expect that they have more fear from AI in taking their jobs.

Yet some of the pretty parts of Essex I cycled through were not left behind.  And I expect had little experience of other cultures beyond the local takeaway.  There are 11 million people born abroad legally living and most working in this country.  Many providing vital high skilled services, as well as care and other jobs

We all know that governments need to get on top of numbers arriving seeking asylum through irregular means.  Around half will be granted asylum https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/immigration-system-statistics-year-ending-march-2025/how-many-people-are-granted-asylum-in-the-uk  

The numbers are far lower than the 11 million above,

There are 100,000s of potential sexual harassment cases every year. This is wrong, and whilst in my life I've seen generally greater respect between the genders there is a long way to go.  https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/bulletins/experiencesofharassmentinenglandandwales/december2023 But the reaction to one court case is frightening.  

I wake up each morning to find out more deaths in Gaza and Ukraine (and other places currently considered less newsworthy).  And more environmental disasters.  That's what keeps me up at night.  Ironically globally insecurities, rising temperatures and floods/droughts will mean even more want to come to 'safe' refuges.  

The flag flying during the 2012 Olympics when there was genuine pride is very different to now.

[heartblock]

Absolutely agree. 

[jazzer]

I'd like more news about what's happening in the UK and less news around the world, Shame BBC only have one news story running continuously. ITV London news reports on minority groups, Ditto GB news features predominantly on immigration, there are other news stories to report. 

News is about and for everyone. 

[MrCheeky]

[Dulwichway]

10 minutes ago, jazzer said:

I'd like more news about what's happening in the UK and less news around the world, Shame BBC only have one news story running continuously. ITV London news reports on minority groups, Ditto GB news features predominantly on immigration, there are other news stories to report. 

News is about and for everyone. 

The silent majority are here, but only a tiny few post their anti English/British rhetoric, shame really, because we used to be a really proud nation and what we gave to the world. Now our British children are being educated to hate themselves! can't be right!

[jazzer]

I would just like to see more news about what;s happening here. 

Not into the pro/anti British discussion, 

[malumbu]

So back to the topic please.

[Cancerian]

Back to the topic of flag flying and ‘far right groups’  as you’ve  said in your original post.

Where are Starmer and Rayner? One is on holiday and the other is floating about in a kayak having a vape. 

[malumbu]

Why is that relevant?   It would be good to have a proper discussion rather than some trivial comments.  And good luck to him having a holiday and good luck to her having a vape.  

2 hours ago, Dulwichway said:

The silent majority are here, but only a tiny few post their anti English/British rhetoric, shame really, because we used to be a really proud nation and what we gave to the world. Now our British children are being educated to hate themselves! can't be right!

Ancient Greeks gave democracy o the world,  I really don't know what you are talking about.