Flag of England is being used by anti-immigration groups

National symbols were usually hung in public buildings, but it was rare to appear outside sporting events, real or military. “It’s our flag, we should be proud to push it,” said Livvy McCarthy, a 32-year-old bartender, passing a track of painted pedestrians to resemble the English flag in London. “All other countries can do the same, so what’s the problem?” He told Reuters.

Movement has been supported by conservative politicians and even tycoon Elon Musk. Nigel Farage, a member of the United Kingdom Parliament and former Brexit campaign, was one of those who approved. He is usually critical of immigration. “Illegal immigrants have more rights than the people of Essex,” he said in August, saying his party would end it.

‘Recover the English culture’

Despite the speech of national pride, the uprising coincided with a wave of anti-immigration protests. The demonstrations occurred in front of hotels that house asylum applicants in the country and were partly triggered after an Ethiopian immigrant hosted north of London was accused of sexual aggression last month. He denies the accusation.

One Briton stated that the flags are intended to “recover English culture.” “We are seeing more of other cultures than ours now,” Jason, 25, told Reuters, not wanting to reveal his surname.