A self-styled 'Flag Man UK' who orchestrated a 'military-like operation' to hang 'Stop The Boats' Union Jacks from Clifton Suspension Bridge has vowed to end his campaign if Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham ends homelessness. Danny, the mastermind behind the stunt, told Metro that his promise is conditional on Burnham solving the homelessness crisis, a challenge he believes won't be met.
The Bridge Stunt
Around 30 'flaggers', some from the controversial group Raise The Colours, spent weeks planning to bypass security and unfurl their message on the iconic bridge near Bristol. They concealed flags on their persons to avoid suspicion, Danny explained. 'We were on and off that bridge within five minutes. But I buggered it up – I forgot to change the memory card in my drone, so I didn't get the video,' he admitted.
Security guards quickly caught wind of the action. Danny described mixed reactions: 'On the side that I entered, the guard was all right when he came out. The other side they were a bit hostile until I walked over and had to chat with them. Even the guard said to me, "that was amazing, how quick you were in and out."' However, footage shows security trying to wrestle with the group, and one guard pushes a camera away as he attempts to disperse the nationalists.
Motivations and Controversy
Danny, who claims to have 'flagged Stonehenge before', said he chose the bridge to demonstrate that 'if everyone comes together, we can do anything'. He hails from Lowestoft, Suffolk, and claims to have launched the flag movement that has spread across the country, leading to confrontations and monetised social media videos. The flags have been hung outside ethnic minority businesses and homes, and used to intimidate occupants of migrant hotels.
Despite the controversy, Danny insists he is not racist, citing his diverse friendships and a Muslim father figure. He even filmed himself hanging a Pride flag in Weston-Super-Mare to prove his inclusivity. He attributes the attraction of racists and far-right thugs to frustration: 'You know they're annoyed that these people are coming here and getting what they're not got. They get angry and confrontational because that's the terminology they have.'
The Conditional Promise
When asked what would make him stop, Danny issued a direct challenge: 'My promise is, if Andy Burnham ends homelessness, I'll stop putting the flags up. I'll stop everyone. I'll go round. I'll remove them all. But you know, they just won't.' He claims other 'flaggers' are obsessed with immigration, while he focuses on 'fairness'.
Danny expressed sympathy for migrants, saying, 'I've got nothing against immigration. Like half my team, my admin is Hungarian. My best friend who flags with me all the time – his whole family are from Jamaica. And to be totally honest, I don't blame anyone for breaking into our country you know, if I was in their shoes, I'd probably do the same.' However, he contrasts this with the plight of homeless people: 'But then I look at these people who are living on the streets, who are addicted to drugs, who just need somebody to talk to, got mental health issues, and they can't get any help. They're like the forgotten people, but yet we're welcoming people breaking into our country and giving them hotels.'
Channel Deaths and Response
Speaking on a day when four migrants died crossing the Channel, Danny said: 'I think it's the saddest thing in the world to see that happening. To see someone be that desperate. There is only one way to stop it, and that's to stop the boats completely. Letting them in like that only encourages more. We've got their blood on our hands.'
Charity Safe Passage International described the deaths as 'devastating and avoidable', urging the Government to 'take accountability for the lack of safe routes for refugees'. Danny surprisingly agrees, suggesting: 'Really, what we should do is open up the Channel Tunnel and say, "Stop the dinghies, come through our tunnel."'
Flags from China
Danny claims to have distributed 100,000 UK flags across the country, all purchased from China. He explained the economic rationale: 'Sadly it is just much cheaper. If the materials were made in the UK it would be at least twice the price. It's all coming from abroad. Nothing's made here in the UK anymore. So what we've done now is I buy the fabric, I buy the art from China and then we assemble them here in the UK.'
Despite the backlash, Danny remains resolute, citing emotional encounters with homeless veterans: 'What keeps me doing it? It's when you go and see a homeless veteran who's got absolutely nothing, right? And you go and see them, and they're a grown man. They cry and thank you for coming to see them and actually care. And when you get one or two people doing that to you, honestly, it brings tears to your eyes. My granddad died fighting for this country. They were proud as anything of that flag. It's crazy. How can anyone be put off by that?'
