‘Not a Symbol of Hate’: East Cowes Flag Group Fires Back at Critics
- Dominic Kureen
- Sep 25
- 2 min read
A local patriotic group has released a statement defending its decision to install a line of giant Union Flags along York Avenue in East Cowes, following criticism over the display.
Operating under the name Royal East Cowes Paladins, the group said the flags were intended as a symbol of unity, remembrance, and national pride.
“Our National flag represents inclusion and a positive celebration of British pride – it is for everyone,” the statement read.
The Paladins rejected suggestions that the display was political, instead accusing opponents of trying to attach negative meanings to the flag.
“Our flag has indeed been politicised but not by us patriots,” they said.
“They claim it represents hatred, division and fascism… well, we won’t accept this.”
The group also linked the Union Flag to remembrance, stressing its importance as a tribute to those who served in the armed forces.
“This is not just a flag,” the statement continued. “It has covered our brothers and sisters on their final journey home.”
The controversy arose after dozens of flags were fixed to lampposts overnight on Monday as part of “Operation IW Raise the Colours”, an initiative by the Isle of Wight British Patriots.
The display stretches from the Red Funnel terminal to Osborne House, and quickly drew both praise and criticism from residents.
The group has confirmed the flags will remain in place until Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday, urging the public to respect the display during the commemorative period.
The installation has fuelled a wider debate about the symbolism of the Union Flag in modern Britain, with supporters seeing it as a proud emblem of unity and critics arguing it carries divisive political overtones.
Why are you giving racists a platform? They are not being honest about the purpose of their flag flying. The flag is a symbol of British colonialist oppression and violence to many parts of the world. It literally is designed to overwrite the blue and wight Scottish flag with the St George's cross. This is just whitewashing history. They are racists calling refugees 'migrants' and hating vulnerable groups instead of the real oppressors: the billionaires and other excessive wealth hoarders and tax dodgers! It's very simple. When will you publish the other perspectives to be balanced at least??