When patriotism becomes vandalism, we all lose

I consider myself both a patriot and a proud Englishman. Yet, I find Ipswich's rondabouts and pedestrian crossings being turned into someone else's political billboard deeply unsettling.

The crosses are part of "Operation Raise the Colours", a nationwide campaign that began after St George's flags were removed from Birmingham streets. While the motivation sounds straightforward enough – show pride in England – the reality is rather more troubling.

The operation is being spearheaded by Andrew Currien, a longtime ally of Tommy Robinson, who was previously jailed for his part in a racist death. Britain First, whose leader, Paul Golding, was imprisoned for hate crimes against Muslims, has been vocal in its support and claims to have donated flags across the North West.

Not everyone participating in this campaign will share these extreme views, of course. Many ordinary people have been inspired by social media posts to raise flags in their own neighbourhoods. But that doesn't change the uncomfortable truth that the organisation and funding behind much of this activity comes from convicted criminals with histories of violence and hatred.

Where you choose to display your patriotism matters enormously

There's nothing wrong with flying the St George's Cross from your own home or painting it on your own driveway. That's your property, your choice, and your right to express patriotic pride. But spraying public property is something altogether different. It's one person, or one group, deciding they can speak for an entire community without their permission.

The impact on residents has been immediate and distressing. One Pinewood resident described feeling stressed about encountering the graffiti multiple times daily on the bus and on foot, particularly given the identified links to extremists. They worried about young people being repeatedly exposed to messaging associated with hate groups, especially with the new college term starting. This isn't patriotism creating pride – it's creating anxiety.

Suffolk County Council, which is responsible for our highways, faces the unenviable position of weighing removal costs against safety concerns, knowing that even if it spends taxpayers' money cleaning the paint, someone will likely just respray it.

What real patriotism looks like

Many will say, "What's wrong with celebrating English identity?" But this isn't genuine patriotism. Nor is it celebrating anything.

Real patriotism doesn't require skulking around with spray cans under the cover of darkness. It doesn't need to piggyback on campaigns organised by people with criminal convictions for violence and hate crimes. Most importantly, it doesn't make your neighbours feel unwelcome or anxious about walking to the shops or school.

True patriotic pride brings communities together around shared values. It respects others' opinions and makes space for everyone who calls England home, rather than marking territory like a gang claiming turf.

The irony is that spray-painting our national flag onto tarmac where it will be driven over, walked on, and gradually worn away by traffic and weather actually shows profound disrespect for the very symbol these people claim to honour.

Our national flag deserves better than being literally trampled into the ground.

The bottom line

There's a world of difference between genuine patriotic expression and politically-motivated vandalism masquerading as community spirit. One builds bridges; the other burns them. If we truly love our country, we should demand better than crude graffiti that divides neighbourhoods and makes residents feel unsafe on their own streets.

Oliver Rouane-Williams is the Founder and Editor of Ipswich.co.uk.