British Flags Appear Across The UK

MANCHESTER, UNITED KINGDOM - AUGUST 28: In this aerial view the flag of St. George is painted on to a mini traffic island, which has also had 'Stop Hate' added to it in Sale on August 28, 2025 in Manchester, United Kingdom. An online movement called 'Operation Raise the Colours' has inspired people across the UK to fly flags. It has been reported that some councils have removed the flags on heath and safety grounds and infuriating some members of the community to raise even more and also paint mini traffic islands with the Cross of St George, the flag of England. The flag of the United Kingdom is steeped in a rich history of both pageantry and controversy and has taken on a complexity of meaning over the centuries as symbols of patriotism, national unity, empire, and protest. (Footage by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)