𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

An MP who is rumoured to be preparing to challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the leadership of the Labour Party has condemned “attempts to hijack” the British flags after reports of intimidation and violence in Birmingham. Former military man Al Carns has been tipped as a potential candidate to replace the Prime Minister. He spoke out after a man had his leg broken during a hit-and-run incident in Mayfield Road, Stirchley, on Thursday which reportedly occurred when a group of individuals attached St George’s flags to lampposts.

Police said yesterday that the man in his 30s was hit, and the driver failed to stop, but the vehicle was later recovered, and no arrests have been made. Mr Carns said: “I am seriously concerned by reports of intimidation and violence in Stirchley yesterday and have written to the West Midlands Police to highlight these issues.

“The Union Jack is a symbol of unity, not division, of patriotism, not polarisation.

“I condemn all attempts to hijack our flag and sow violence in our communities for political gain.”

Mr Carns said in his letter: “I am writing about recent events in Stirchley involving the group Raise the Colours, and the issues being raised with me by my constituents.

“My office has heard from dozens of residents whose accounts describe incidents of harassment, intimidation and physical assault by members of this group, many of whom are not from Birmingham. Video evidence of some of these incidents is being shared online.

“I understand the difficulties of policing community tensions of this kind. These situations are rarely straightforward and l also recognise the pressures on your officers. However, some of the individual accounts I have heard are troubling. One resident told my team that after reporting to an officer that she was being followed by three men shouting abuse, she was told the perpetrator was known to police.

“I know that cannot have been the full picture, but it left her feeling unsupported. That is worth you understanding.

“My constituents want reassurance. They want to know that incidents of this kind will be taken seriously, that evidence will be followed up and that Stirchley will not see a repeat of what has happened

“I would also welcome your thoughts on whether there is scope for the police and council to work together on preventative measures – including the kind of injunctions on unauthorised flag displays of any kind that have been used elsewhere in the country.

“We know that this is now becoming more of an issue because of the tension already created – and there is considerable provocation at the heart of this. Prevention matters as much as response right now.

“I am keen to work constructively with you on this. My constituents deserve to feel safe in their own neighbourhood and I know that is something we both want.”

The Express has contacted Raise the Colours for comment.

West Midlands Police told the Express that its “current statement on this incident still stands”.