Asian community leader feels union jack pride

Union jacks and St George's flags are being flown across the UK

Flags and the painting of roundabouts are a way of showing national pride and community spirit, a community leader has said.

Imran Bashir of Apna Birmingham, a group focused on discussing and sharing information about the city, called for minority ethnic groups to "stand as one" behind the flags.

Flags, particularly the St George and union jack flags, have sprung up in parts of the West Midlands and beyond in recent weeks.

They have been a contentious issue, with some arguing the motivation is to cause division and others saying the goal is to show pride in the country's history, freedoms and achievements.

Mr Bashir said he hoped members of the group, which focuses on discussing and sharing information about the city of Birmingham, would back the campaign.

"I think the flags and the painting on the roundabouts are our way of showing national pride and community spirit," he said.

"For me it's not about one group or another, it's about everyone respecting each other and living together peacefully."

Imran Bashir runs the group Apna Birmingham

The campaign has received criticism from some, who have linked the symbol of the St George's flag to far right groups.

Some have said the image of many flags hung on lampposts is intimidating and unwelcoming.

However, Mr Bashir said arguing over the issue would only create division.

"If we start arguing or fighting about it, it only creates division and tension," he said.

"By supporting it and representing the flag, we show that white, Asian and all other communities can stand as one."

Birmingham City Council recently said it had removed some flags for safety reasons but added no flags have been removed from lampposts by the body this month.

It said: "Brummies are proud to be British and proud that this is a welcoming city celebrating many different cultures.

"When it comes to items attached to lampposts, it is normal council procedure for these to be removed on a regular basis, in line with our health and safety obligations."