UK Operation – Raise the Colours
By Shirley Edwards
September 16, 2025
(These are my views as a woman living in England, on how the culture and spirit of my country has changed over 50 years. Why the country does not feel protected or strong any more, how it has lost, and is losing it values and decency, and how we are daily losing our free speech.)
“If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.” —George Orwell
The flag is the embodiment, not of sentiments, but of history —Woodrow Wilson
I have never been what you would call a flag waving person, although I have always understood and respected the history and the patriotism which the flag of my country is meant to represent.
The British flag is perhaps a symbol I have taken for granted. You see, it has always been there in the background like some sort of stoic tree which you walk past on a daily basis, but pay little attention to. Although you will see it flying from public buildings, royal households, decorating London gift shops; and sometimes adorning fashionwear, it is not displayed as much as you would see in America. The British people do not display the flag at their homes, in the same way as Americans.
Recently, waking up to the sight of so many Union Jacks and St George flags flying from so many lamp-posts and buildings in my local area, was however, certainly a sight which has lifted my heart in a new way.
The Union Jack or Union Flag is made up of 3 crosses, one representing England and Wales, one representing Northern Ireland and one representing Scotland. The St George Flag is the cross of England, and is a red cross on a white background. It has its origins from the 10th century where it was the ensign of Genoa. It was in the 14th century George became the patron saint of England.
As I drove down one main road, I wondered who had risen in the dead of night with a ladder to raise these symbols of a United Kingdom, which are Christian in their symbolism, although some historians do reject that.
I later discovered, that the raising of the colours was being displayed far and wide across the country by ordinary men and women who were peaceably and joyously protesting. It is called Operation Raise the Colours.
Were they showing loyalty to the monarchy? No. They feel very betrayed.
The public were letting their government know peaceably, that they did not agree to be displaced or ignored in ‘preference’ to other cultures via globalist policies, and at the expense of their taxes and their safety.
They were acknowledging the history upon whose backs their country was founded. They were giving the message ‘We See You’ and we know we are being dis-respected. It appears to be the only way they know how to now make a statement about not being listened to. People who are voicing their objections come from people of all races who respect the country.
Whilst British flags are not banned, they have been targeted as supposedly being provocative in the presence of other cultures and beliefs, and have been taken down in preference to other flags which people are proudly being allowed to fly.
The complaint has been that they feel intimidated by the British flag?
No-body should feel intimidated by the symbol which represents the culture of the country they live in.
Recently, in Rugby, a 12-year-old schoolgirl, was prevented from making a speech after she wore a Union Jack dress on Culture Celebration Day.
Feeling very pleased that she was being complimented by her schoolfriends, teachers then told her to go and get changed into a second-hand uniform, reportedly telling her that the dress was her nationality and not her culture?
Below is the report and the speech she intended to make:
Warwickshire school apologises to girl over culture day speech refusal – BBC News
The school later apologised.
The complaints that the British flag is racist or provocative is not an isolated incident.
In the name of cultural diversity, it has openly been pushed out of the picture on many occasions.
Below is Irish TV presenter from GB News talking about the school girl who was punished. It is a rational and amusing account by both presenters.
Eamonn Holmes Outraged as Girl Punished for Union Jack Dress on Culture Day Celebrating UK Heritage
It is my opinion that the raising of the flag is not far-right or racist as some people like to proclaim which are labels being used to silence people. The UK has been one of the most welcoming countries to people from all nationalities who wish to live and contribute to the country. People from all colours and cultures are welcome to come and legally live in the United Kingdom, and up until about 20 years ago people got along fine, except for the odd isolated incidence.
However, I do see there is some provocation behind the scenes to create even more division by deliberately elevating the needs and wants of other cultures above the British culture. Where does this come from?
For that reason, whilst it was very uplifting to see so many flags, and it was a peaceful action, there may be an ulterior motive as well which is driving people to feel so silenced and small in their own country, with their concerns not being listened to.
Unite the Kingdom
This weekend it was reported by some accounts that up to 4 million people descended on the city of London in a peaceful demonstration. It was entitled Unite the Kingdom, and I understand organized by Tommy Robinson. At the same time there was another demonstration against anti-racism taking place, called Stand Up to Racism.
The mainstream media reported that the Unite the Kingdom demonstration was attended by 110,000 and the Anti-Racism by 5,000 and the mainstream media mainly focused on aggression, rather than celebration, in the below report, stating that the aggression came from the Unite the Kingdom demonstration with 25 arrests.
In contrast, the Notting Hill Carnival where police carried out 140 arrests was reported by the BBC on 24th August 2025, as being a joyful family-friendly experience.
Notting Hill Carnival: 140 arrested, Met Police says – BBC News
It is unfortunate that this type of media, which followed the same line as all mainstream reporting, may be the only access that people wish to address in perceiving what is really taking place in the country.
The Unite the Kingdom demonstration was predominantly a celebration of people from all different races, cultures and creeds, who do not want the culture of the country eroded by an agenda which seeks to dominate its people and displace them. Many speakers at the event were from countries across the West who are also witnessing the same issues, most especially in terms of free speech. There were strict instructions for it to be peaceful, to not be drunk, and to not wear masks.
Former MEP and member of the Reform party, Ben Habib and leader of Advance who appeared to be the only political leader to support and attend the event spoke at the event, and the platform was also given to the young schoolgirl who could not wear her Union Jack dress to read her speech.
Below is ariel footage of the rally
Aerial footage shows scale of ‘unite the kingdom’ rally – YouTube
With the recent murder of Charlie Kirk from Turning Point USA, many people at the march were holding banners honouring his life and memory. His image gave out a salient message.
It was a reminder that free speech should always be a right, and we should speak graciously and peaceably with each other even if we do not like or agree with another person’s point of view.
Listening to the speakers at the rally, there were some people I agreed with and some who I did not agree with, but on the whole, it was an encouraging message to the patriots of the United Kingdom, and hopefully around the world, who love their God, their Family and their Country.
© 2025 Shirley Edwards – All Rights Reserved
E-Mail Shirley Edwards: eshirley02@gmail.com
Links:
1- Row over flags removal in Birmingham and London
2- Union Jack | The Royal Family
3- Warwickshire school apologises to girl over culture day speech refusal – BBC News
4- The questions about St George’s and union jack flags lining English streets – BBC News
5- Eamonn Holmes Outraged as Girl Punished for Union Jack Dress on Culture Day Celebrating UK Heritage
6- Tommy Robinson protesters hurl missiles at police before officers fight back and arrest 25 as 110,000-strong ‘biggest ever’ anti-migrant demo takes over central London | Daily Mail Online
7- Notting Hill Carnival: 140 arrested, Met Police says – BBC News