The war waged by those in authority on those who make overt displays of patriotism shows no sign of relenting. This campaign against Englishness and Britishness has never been an open, honest one, undertaken with manifest intent. This is a devious war pursued through crafty bureaucratic means and framed in the timorous language of health and safety.

This offensive began as a response to events last summer, when, under the banner of ‘Operation Raise the Colours’, many individuals took it upon themselves to attach St George’s and Union flags to lampposts throughout England. In response, many councils, prompted by complaints from some who felt ‘uncomfortable’, or run by those who feel uneasy at unrefined shows of patriotism, took them down on the grounds of health and safety. This was the justification given by councils in Birmingham, Tower Hamlets and South Gloucestershire. This January, Oxfordshire County Council also confirmed that it had removed 330 such flags, citing that they could cause ‘serious safety hazards’.

Havering Council on the fringes of east London has now joined the fray, doing so under the same pretext. It is set to withdraw permission for next month’s St George’s Day parade, run by the Scouts in Romford, due to road closures. As it said in a statement yesterday:

For most English people, the St George’s flag is simply a symbol of self-affirmation and resistance

For most English........

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