On Saturday 4th April, local “flags-on-lampposts” group Raise The Colours Sheffield, alongside bath bomb salesman turned far-right auditor Ryan “Rampage” Dale, are organising what they describe as a “protest” in Sheffield. Their stated aims are vague, framed broadly as opposition to “the government,” but their own organising pages tell a clearer story. The comment threads surrounding the event are filled with open hostility toward migrants, asylum seekers, and, in many cases, anyone perceived to be of Middle Eastern or Muslim background. Calls for violence and dehumanising rhetoric are not only present but go unchallenged by organisers, and are often echoed by prominent figures within the group. One particularly disturbing post comes from main organiser Lee Shipley, who wrote that he hoped windy weather would cause migrant boats to sink, resulting in their deaths. Some posts, particularly from a user called “Dave Tune,” include coded language such as “KTF NSE” which stands for “Keep Th...
An Open Letter to Sheffield City Council: Operation Raise the Colours and Neighbourhood Intimidation
Dear Members of Sheffield City Council and Sheffield MPs, We are writing as concerned residents of Sheffield to demand urgent action regarding the flags that continue to appear on lampposts across Parson Cross, Southey, and other areas. These flags are part of a coordinated campa ign of intimidation and anti-immigrant hate. They are illegal, and allowing them to remain is an abandonment of public space and a toleration of harassment. The Council has acknowledged that Operation Raise the Colours has been discussed internally. Yet, it has refused to instruct its contractor, Amey, to remove the flags, citing concerns for staff safety. This reasoning is unacceptable. Sheffield has previous ly enforced highly unpopular policies when it chose to do so. During the Streets Ahead tree-felling programme, Amey was provided with full police support and security to continue work despite public protests. An independent report commissioned by the South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner confirm...