Norwich MP Clive Lewis sparks patriotism row as Prime Minister backs flag campaign
A Labour MP has ignited fierce debate after claiming people flying St George’s Cross flags outside a migrant hotel in his constituency are “extremists” attempting to “mark territory”, whilst Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer declared himself “very encouraging” of patriotic flag displays.
Clive Lewis, the MP for Norwich South, criticised Norfolk County Council for failing to remove England flags erected on lampposts around the Brook Hotel in Bowthorpe, which currently houses asylum seekers and has become a flashpoint for weekly protests and counter-demonstrations.
The former shadow cabinet minister warned that whilst “most people say they fly the St George’s Cross out of pride”, far-right groups were exploiting the national symbol to “intimidate the vast majority who reject their extreme views.
They’re trying to drag the flag back into being just their flag, only for their purposes of division and intolerance, undoing the brilliant way our multi-heritage England teams turned it into one of unity and pride,” Lewis told the Eastern Daily Press.
The Socialist Campaign Group member, who previously served as an Army Reserve officer in Afghanistan, raised concerns with Norfolk County Council, declaring they “can’t look the other way when extremists use our streets to send an intimidating message”.
His intervention comes as thousands of flags have appeared across Britain as part of “Operation Raise the Colours”, a grassroots campaign that began in Birmingham and has spread to cities including Manchester, Newcastle, York and Norwich.
Norfolk Constabulary has previously asked Lewis not to attend counter-demonstrations at the hotel, fearing his presence could escalate tensions. The warning followed an incident in December when the MP used a megaphone to brand anti-asylum protesters as “racists” and “fascists.
Norfolk County Council confirmed it would not prioritise removing the flags, stating it was focusing on “more urgent” highway matters. A spokesman said: “While the council does not encourage people to put flags up on lampposts and other street furniture and does not regard these as long-term features, the council will not prioritise the removal of such flags over any more urgent highway activity.
The Prime Minister offered a markedly different view when questioned about the flag campaign on BBC Radio 5 Live. I’m the leader of the Labour Party who put the Union Jack on our Labour Party membership cards,” Starmer said. “I always sit in front of a Union Jack. I’ve been doing it for years, and it attracted a lot of comment when I started doing it.”
Revealing his personal support for patriotic displays, Starmer added: “I’m very encouraging of flags. I think they’re patriotic, and I think they’re a great symbol of our nation.”
The Prime Minister confirmed his family keeps St George’s flag in their Downing Street flat, whilst warning against using national symbols “purely for divisive purposes” which he said “devalues the flag.
Joseph Moulton, an organiser with Flag Force UK, defended the campaign as promoting “civic pride” and community responsibility. For us, raising the flag and tidying the local area is about mobilising the community, rekindling social responsibility, and restoring pride in where we live,” he told GB News.
Moulton, who claims to have raised over 300 flags in York with his team, explained: “In recent years, especially since Covid, the loss of pubs and communal spaces, and the pressures of the cost of living, people have become more atomised and insular. Combined with wider social and economic difficulties, it is clear we need to start taking responsibility for our communities and making a positive impact, rather than just complaining on social media.”
The campaign has attracted support from senior Conservative figures, with Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick photographed raising Union Jacks in his Newark constituency. Jenrick attacked “Britain-hating councils” that removed flags and predicted “a comeback is on” for British patriotism.
However, anti-racist groups have raised concerns about the movement’s origins and intentions. Hope Not Hate revealed that co-founder Andrew Currien, also known as Andy Saxon, is a longtime associate of far-right activist Tommy Robinson and currently runs security for Britain First. Currien was previously jailed in 2009 for his involvement in a racist death.
Nick Lowles from Hope Not Hate stated: “There is nothing wrong with raising the Union Jack or cross of St George. Despite what people claim on social media, it’s not illegal to be proud to be English or British! But the fact that much of this wave of activism is being organised by well-known racists and extremists does raise questions about the motivations behind much of Operation Raise the Colours.”
The campaign has prompted councils across England to remove flags citing safety concerns, including Birmingham City Council and Tower Hamlets in London, sparking accusations of double standards after Palestinian flags were left untouched in some areas.
In Birmingham, proteSters have escalated their actions by painting St George’s crosses on mini-roundabouts after council workers removed flags from lampposts. The Weoley Warriors, a group claiming responsibility for flags in several Birmingham districts, has raised over £10,000 through online donations.
The flag debate has exposed deep divisions about national identity in modern Britain. Professor Kehinde Andrews, a Black Studies academic, controversially claimed both the St George’s Cross and Union Jack represent “white supremacy”, stating “there ain’t no black in the Union Jack.
Political responses have varied widely. Reform UK-controlled North Northamptonshire Council has defended the flags as a “visible expression of pride”, whilst Liberal Democrat leader of Dorset Council Nick Ireland warned the campaign had been “hijacked” by the far-right to promote their extremist agenda.
A YouGov poll found 58 per cent of Britons want to see more Union Jack and England flags raised on public buildings, suggesting broad public support for patriotic displays despite the controversy.
Lewis, who became Norwich South MP in 2015 and previously worked as a BBC journalist, has faced criticism for his stance. The former Labour leadership candidate’s Caribbean heritage and military service have not shielded him from backlash over his “extremist” comments.
The row highlights ongoing tensions around asylum accommodation, with the Brook Hotel becoming a focal point for competing demonstrations. Hundreds have attended both pro and anti-asylum protests in recent weeks, with police maintaining a significant presence to prevent disorder.
Stand Up to Racism has organised counter-protests against flag-raisers, claiming the campaign intentionally seeks to intimidate asylum seekers, immigrants and minority communities amid rising anti-immigration sentiment.
The debate has drawn international attention, with former US President Donald Trump adviser Elon Musk posting an image of St George’s Cross on X, whilst US Vice President JD Vance urged Britons to “push back against the crazies” who criticise flying the flag.
As flags continue to appear and disappear across England, the controversy exposes fundamental questions about national identity, immigration and who controls the narrative of English pride in an increasingly diverse society.
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