Voice of British Muslim Women

Sameea Jonnud, Aldershot

Turning onto the main road a few days ago, I was greeted by the usual sight of Union Jack bunting adorning the front of a property opposite as well as a large flag on a lamppost. I was startled to see that not only was it there, but on many lampposts at intervals along the stretch of road I travel almost daily. My daughter told me her first thought was patriots until she got closer and noticed the flags weren’t on private properties but on lampposts. Could it be to commemorate something to do with the war? The 80^th anniversary of VJ day had just passed so a commemoration such as this in the home of the British Army would not be unusual.  

A quick check on the internet revealed a Facebook post showing that it was in fact a group called Rushmoor People First who, along with similar groups from other areas, have been putting up Union Jack and St George’s flags around the country. They claim to support local issues, but their main focus appears to be anti-migrant, especially those housed in hotels, with a sprinkling of anti-Muslim posts or comments. This is part of what has become known as Operation Raise the Colours, which supposedly displays patriotism to the country as well as support of anti-immigration policies. However, there are videos on social media showing those hoisting the flags, taunting Muslim passers-by. Of course, it’s a bit unsettling to think that somebody has put Union Jacks up because they want to intimidate you, but while I may be sad at the motives, I don’t feel intimidation at the sight of my flag.  

My feelings on this whole subject have been rather mixed, to say the least. Whenever I see the Union Jack flying, I feel positive; the colours are bright and cheerful for a start, and it is the flag of my country. On a recent visit to Central London, I passed Regent Street covered in Union Jack flags to celebrate the 80^th anniversary of VE Day, and they looked so lovely I stopped to photograph them. So, on seeing the flags nearby I thought it was interesting; do they believe that when immigrants/non white people/anyone other than them see the Union Jack, they are repelled? The flags on the street are also halfway up the lampposts, giving the impression of being flown half-mast which raises many ideas of what exactly is being mourned and whether those putting up the flags even realise it. 

One of my earliest memories of the Union Jack is at the Olympics during childhood; after cheering on our athletes, watching the flag rise slowly to the sounds of the national anthem filled me with a feeling of joy and pride. At the Olympics it’s the British flag which evokes that feeling, during the World Cup it’s the English flag – because that’s where I’m from. While chicken tikka masala was once famously Britain’s favourite take away, my family and I have always loved a bit of fish and chips and many we have been to are owned and run by people of different ethnicities.  

We hear a lot of talk about British values being incompatible with Islam when in fact values of tolerance and respect are important to both. Islam teaches its followers to love and be loyal to the country in which you live, something even more important if that country has given you refuge. If there are concerns about integration, these should be examined and addressed; making people feel welcome goes a long way towards helping them fit in and integrate, while hating or persecuting them will only push them away. My dad emigrated here at the invitation of Britain to help fill the shortfall of pharmacists. He tells us of the employer who advised him to top up his qualifications and another who supported him when working; as a result, he loves this country as his own and is loyal to it. Our windows displayed Union Jack flags during the Queen’s Silver Jubilee, something my family later commemorated by throwing a red, white, and blue themed party at the Diamond Jubilee. The grounds of my local mosque were also decorated with Union Jack bunting to celebrate the coronation of King Charles, and our annual convention, Jalsa Salana, always begins with the Union Jack being raised alongside the flag of our community. 

A few days before I saw the flags, I was walking in the car park of my neighbouring town’s supermarket and an elderly white couple were approaching; as they drew closer the woman looked my way before turning and saying loudly to her husband “what country are we living in again?” I was a little taken aback because I’m fortunate not to have been often targeted with such remarks. Less than a minute later, the sting had lessened after I paused to let a car pass and the (white) driver beamed a smile in response. The thing is, I’m British born and brought up. Wearing a coat or jacket and covering my head doesn’t stop me feeling British. The country we’re living in is my country as much as anyone else’s. I am proud to live in Britain where tolerance and respect for the views of others have always been one of the things this country does best. At least, it was until now. 

The so-called patriots say we should fly the Union Jack with pride; well, I don’t disagree with that sentiment. Visiting Canada last year, I was startled at the number of Canadian flags flying in front of homes and businesses, which I previously noticed in the United States but is something we don’t see here. 

I suggest we should take pride in the many good things about Britain, see the Union Jack flying more widely, and reclaim it from what is too often seen as far right exclusivity.