A campaign known as ‘Operation Raise the Colours’ has encouraged the display of national flags, primarily the St George’s Cross or Union Jack Flag in public spaces across England. While some people view the initiative as a celebration of national pride, others have raised questions about its intent and impact, particularly in areas near asylum accommodation and migrant communities.
A poll conducted by More in Common in August 2025 revealed divided public opinion on the motivations behind the flag displays. While 41% of respondents saw the flags as expressions of pride in Britain and support for national identity, 42% believed they were being used to make a political statement against immigration.
The anti-racist organisation HOPE Not Hate acknowledges that there is nothing inherently wrong with raising national flags, and that not everyone who has raised a flag holds far-right views. Some flags will be unconnected to Raise the Colours, for example, as signs of support for the England rugby team. However, they have warned that Raise the Colours has links with far-right groups such as Britain First and that since many of the activities are being coordinated by individuals with known far-right affiliations, this raises valid concerns about the underlying motivations.
Some pharmacists and patients are from minority ethnicities and/or may have immigrated from outside the UK. Over recent periods, there have been incidents of civil unrest related to immigration protests and there is a concern that there may be efforts to divide the community and a risk to safety around people’s homes, workplaces and when travelling in between.
PDA’s response
Councils across the UK have responded differently, with some removing flags erected without permission on public property, such as lampposts, while others have left them in place. In Scotland, the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) condemned reports of abuse directed at council workers tasked with removing unauthorised flags. Roz Foyer, STUC General Secretary, described the attacks as “cowardly and despicable,” adding, “No staff should face abuse at work. The saltire represents tolerance, acceptance, respect and inclusion – principles that must be upheld.”
Elsy Gomez Campos, PDA BAME Network Immediate Past President said, “I love seeing the flag of St George waved and displayed in buildings and cars during sport and civic events. It means celebration, pride and unity. However, these days, seeing streets flooded with those same flags scares me. The current displays are associated with division, hatred, and an unwelcoming message towards immigrants. This is sad as the UK benefits greatly from immigration and without immigrants, it wouldn’t be what it is today.”
The PDA continues to stand against racism and xenophobia in all forms. Alima Batchelor, PDA Head of Policy said, “A significant percentage of the non-white UK population will have been born and brought up in the UK. More have travelled here to build a life for their families. We are proud, loyal citizens just like any others, yet we can still suffer the effects of racism and be made to feel that we do not belong. I hope that all our members support the PDA and its networks (BAME, NAWP, Ability and LGBT+) in standing firmly against racism, discrimination and any misuse of national symbols that undermines unity, respect, and belonging for all.”
Whilst this sort of issue is not directly related to employment or practice, it is nevertheless impacting the everyday lived experience of being a BAME pharmacist in the UK and is therefore relevant to the PDA BAME Network.
Ewura-Adjoa Yamoah, Vice President of the BAME Network said, “I’ve noticed the increased visibility of flags and symbols like the St George’s Cross across England recently. While national symbols can bring people together during events such as sporting matches, we are also aware that their rise in other contexts can sometimes feel unsettling, especially when linked to anti-immigration or far-right rhetoric. We recognise that this may make some of our members feel uncomfortable or unsafe, particularly those living and working in areas not used to ethnic diversity. As a committee, we want to reassure our members that they are not alone, and we encourage anyone affected to get involved with the PDA BAME Network. Our network remains committed to creating spaces where all pharmacists, students and indeed patients can feel safe, supported, and valued.”
Pharmacists, pharmacy students and trainees are encouraged to get involved with the PDA BAME Network, which welcomes those who identify as Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic as well as allies.
Allyship involves actively supporting efforts to build inclusive and diverse environments by standing up for those who face marginalisation. Even if someone does not identify as BAME, they can still play a meaningful role by listening, learning, and using their voice to advocate alongside others.
Get involved
- Join the PDA BAME Network
- Follow the PDA BAME Network on social media using #PDAbame
- If you would like to get involved with the network and its activities, email [email protected]
Learn more
- Why have thousands of St George’s flags gone up in cities and towns?
- Pride or protest? Britons and the flag debate
- ‘Operation Raise the Colours’ Organised by Well-Known Far-Right Extremists
- “Despicable” attacks on workers should be condemned says STUC
- We must all be actively anti-racist
- Tackling the far right
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