How the English Flag Became a Symbol of Dissent—in England

The Cross of St. George is appearing on lampposts and roundabouts across England as part of new grassroots campaign, which some are calling divisive.

The Cross of St. George and the Union Jack fly from lamp posts on Westminster Bridge amid "Operation Raise the Colours" in Ellesmere Port, UK, on Aug. 28, 2025. Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

The Cross of St. George is appearing up and down England, in numbers usually only seen during soccer tournaments such as the World Cup.

“Operation Raise the Colours” is the name given to the movement, which first gained interest on social media over the summer and has continued into September.