Immigration Opposition Fuels English National Flag Frenzy

St George's flags fly from lampposts in York, northern England, as a new trend for flying such pennants including the Union Jack has emerged in recent weeks in a display of patriotism linked to the far-right (Credit: AFP)

Bitter debate about immigration in the United Kingdom has triggered a new trend of flying English and British flags in a vivid show of patriotism spearheaded in part by far-right figures.

Usually flown only for royal celebrations or at sporting tournaments, the flags have been appearing on motorway bridges, lampposts and other spots in villages, towns and cities across England.