Sales of Union Flags and St George’s flags have risen by around 20 per cent and flagpole purchases have doubled in recent weeks, according to Britain’s leading suppliers.

The trend has spread across the country with flags appearing on lampposts, bridges and outside people’s homes in many areas.

Many say they are raising them as a symbol of pride and celebration. However, at a time when tensions are running high over immigration, some have voiced concerns they have been “hijacked by extremists and prejudiced people”.

Rod Sessions, commercial director at the Hampshire Flag Company, one of the UK’s largest flag manufacturers and suppliers, said: “Compared to last August sales of Union and St George’s flags are up by around 20 per cent. Every morning when I check the orders there are hund

See Full Page