In parts of England, anti-migrant movements are gaining traction — as seen in the far-right anti-immigration protests in London, where thousands recently took to the streets carrying aggressive slogans and nationalist symbols (CNN, 2025). At the same time, the rise of the so-called “flag movement” has been reported to be fuelling tensions and fear across communities, with flags being used not as symbols of pride, but as visual warnings of exclusion (Le Monde, 2025). Investigations have also revealed the hidden human toll of Britain’s flag fever, showing how ordinary families are feeling unsafe, alienated, and targeted in areas where this movement is spreading fastest (New Internationalist, 2025).
This is not patriotism — it is fear dressed up as nationalism. Such actions do nothing to solve real social or economic problems; instead, they foster hatred and suspicion of neighbours who simply want to live in peace.
References:
CNN
CNN (2025) Far-right anti-immigration protests draw thousands in London. Available at: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/09/13/europe/far-right-anti-immigration-protests-london-intl (Accessed: 18 October 2025).
Le Monde
Le Monde (2025) The UK’s flag movement fuels tensions amid the far right’s rise. Available at: https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2025/10/02/the-uk-s-flag-movement-fuels-tensions-amid-the-far-right-s-rise_6746001_4.html (Accessed: 18 October 2025).
New Internationalist
New Internationalist (2025) The hidden toll of Britain’s flag fever. Available at: https://newint.org/nationalism/2025/hidden-toll-britains-flag-fever (Accessed: 18 October 2025).