In the Southampton Daily Echo the socialist group Stand Up To Racism (SUTR) has vocally opposed the “Raising the Colours” movement. This campaign involves the public display of Union Jacks and St George’s Cross flags across Southampton, which some residents see as a celebration of national pride.The SUTR group whose own supports regularly wave Soviet, Palestine and LGBT flags whilst wearing face masks and balaclavas, issued several statements calling the English and British national flags as intimidating and promoting fear.
Stand Up To Racism alleges that these flags are intended to intimidate asylum seekers, immigrants, and the wider community. A spokesperson for SUTR, who identifies as a person of colour born and raised in the UK, expressed personal concern, saying, “I find it genuinely intimidating.” The group has urged Southampton City Council to remove the flags immediately, citing public safety concerns.
However, SUTR supporters have themselves come under scrutiny. Recent protests have seen some members wearing balaclavas and face masks while allegedly assaulting peaceful demonstrators. At these protests, flags such as the Soviet hammer and sickle and the Palestine flag have been waved—a move that some critics argue is more divisive than the national flags they oppose.
The use of Soviet symbolism at rallies against oppression has also raised eyebrows, given the Soviet Union’s grim historical record. Millions died due to famine, war, and political repression under Soviet rule, casting a shadow over what the hammer and sickle originally symbolized—the unity of workers and peasants. Copies of the Russian-leaning The Socialist Worker newspaper are regularly given out at Stand up to racism events.
Adding to the conversation, the Daily Echo has published multiple articles supporting the display of the LGBT pride flag. Including articles regarding The University of Southampton flying a rainbow flag with pride outside Hartley Library to mark LGBT History Month, along with hosting events such as a film screening by the LGBT Staff Network.
Some locals question whether the promotion of these flags is more divisive than the national flags, reflecting ongoing debates around community safety in the city especially at sheltered housing near asylum hotels such as Avondale Court where residents are said to be leaving in fear of their safety with repeated break ins.
