To Bristol City Council,

The flags hung on Bristol’s lampposts fuel tensions and divisions in our diverse city. They have been hung by individuals and organisations with a racist agenda and are being imposed on local residents against their will. Unsurprisingly, they’ve been accompanied by an increase in racist violence and hate crime. 

Stand Against Racism & Inequality (SARI), has seen a steep rise in referrals for racist attacks and hate crimes in Bristol, up 10% from the same time last year. In South Bristol wards, referrals have increased by 41%. After flags appeared in Brentry a 9-year old girl was shot with an air-gun. A swastika  appeared in Lockleaze.

The flags do not represent Bristol, a City of Sanctuary, with a proud history of fighting racism and inequality.

We, the people of Bristol, call upon Bristol City Council to immediately remove the flags hung from lampposts around the city.