New anti-hate group praises the ‘message’ behind international flags in Maidenhead

A newly formed anti-hate group has praised the ‘message’ behind international flags placed near Stafferton Way.

Drivers spotted that two existing Union flags hung on lampposts near the Braywick Roundabout were joined by dozens of flags of the world strung between the posts.

Founder of Berkshire Against Hate Ben Collins, said the ‘No to hate, it’s our flag too’ message accompanying the flags was ‘warmly received’ on social media.

The 47-year-old set up the group last month in response to Union and St George Cross flags being hoisted around the town over the summer, ‘like a primary school project’.

The flag-raising movement is part of the social media campaign, Operation Raise Your Colours, which has been praised as a show of patriotism by some but associated with prejudice and division by others.

After engaging with people online that he believed were supporting ‘incoherent, divisive, unpleasant policies’, Ben felt he had to act.

“I was either getting really angry because I wasn’t getting any sensible answers, or I could ignore it, walk away, and just feel spineless,” said the Maidenhead resident.

After his friend set up Lancashire Against Hate, and similar groups started in Worcestershire and Northamptonshire, Ben has seen his Berkshire Against Hate group ‘gather momentum’.

“There’s now a safe space and also a connection with people who are worried by the rise of racist attacks and far-right politics,” Ben told the Advertiser.

“We’re a collective of voices who believe that every person deserves dignity, respect and a place at the table. At the moment, we’re pooling ideas.

“How do we reclaim the Union Jack and the St George Cross as a symbol of British values, tolerance, diversity and inclusivity?”

Ben says the world flags symbolise Maidenhead as a ‘diverse, inclusive community’ and ‘everyone is represented however they identify and whatever their ethnicity’.

“I think it’s great, because I don’t think they’ve taken any British flags down,” he added. “It’s patriotic, it’s inclusive. We’re a free and inclusive community.

“People say it’s brought a tear to their eye [that] finally somebody’s responded to what is perceived as a threat of racism.”

He added: “As a white male, when I talked to non-white friends and colleagues, it’s been an education for me.

“People said it reminds them of Britain 30 years ago, with the level of racism that they thought we’d left behind, but that’s all happened since the flags have gone up,” said Ben.

He said the rise of far-right politics has ‘given a voice to people with hateful opinions’ and they feel more confident about articulating them.

Posters with multicoloured hands saying ‘Berkshire welcomes diversity’ have been placed in businesses around the county for people feeling vulnerable and isolated to see ‘they’re not alone’.

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