He mentioned: ‘The Union Jack is a logo of unity, not division, of patriotism, not polarisation.’

Al Carns may throw his hat into the ring (Picture: PA)
An MP who’s rumoured to be making ready to problem Sir Keir Starmer for the management of the Labour Get together has condemned “makes an attempt to hijack” the British flags after reviews of intimidation and violence in Birmingham. Former army man Al Carns has been tipped as a possible candidate to interchange the Prime Minister. He spoke out after a person had his leg damaged throughout a hit-and-run incident in Mayfield Highway, Stirchley, on Thursday which reportedly occurred when a gaggle of people connected St George’s flags to lampposts.
Police mentioned yesterday that the person in his 30s was hit, and the driving force did not cease, however the car was later recovered, and no arrests have been made. Mr Carns mentioned: “I’m critically involved by reviews of intimidation and violence in Stirchley yesterday and have written to the West Midlands Police to spotlight these points.
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“The Union Jack is a logo of unity, not division, of patriotism, not polarisation.

Flags have been hoisted throughout the UK (Picture: Getty)
“I condemn all makes an attempt to hijack our flag and sow violence in our communities for political acquire.”
Mr Carns mentioned in his letter: “I’m writing about latest occasions in Stirchley involving the group Elevate the Colors, and the problems being raised with me by my constituents.
“My workplace has heard from dozens of residents whose accounts describe incidents of harassment, intimidation and bodily assault by members of this group, lots of whom should not from Birmingham. Video proof of a few of these incidents is being shared on-line.
“I perceive the difficulties of policing group tensions of this type. These conditions are not often easy and l additionally recognise the pressures in your officers. Nonetheless, among the particular person accounts I’ve heard are troubling. One resident instructed my workforce that after reporting to an officer that she was being adopted by three males shouting abuse, she was instructed the perpetrator was identified to police.
“I do know that can’t have been the complete image, nevertheless it left her feeling unsupported. That’s value you understanding.
I’m critically involved by reviews of intimidation and violence in Stirchley yesterday and have written to the West Midlands Police to spotlight these points.
The Union Jack is a logo of unity, not division, of patriotism, not polarisation. I condemn all makes an attempt to hijack… pic.twitter.com/vODpvQQAMJ
— Al Carns (@AlistairCarns) Might 15, 2026
“My constituents need reassurance. They need to know that incidents of this type will likely be taken critically, that proof will likely be adopted up and that Stirchley won’t see a repeat of what has occurred
“I might additionally welcome your ideas on whether or not there’s scope for the police and council to work collectively on preventative measures – together with the type of injunctions on unauthorised flag shows of any form which have been used elsewhere within the nation.
“We all know that that is now turning into extra of a problem due to the stress already created – and there’s appreciable provocation on the coronary heart of this. Prevention issues as a lot as response proper now.
“I’m eager to work constructively with you on this. My constituents need to really feel protected in their very own neighbourhood and I do know that’s one thing we each need.”
The Categorical has contacted Elevate the Colors for remark.
West Midlands Police instructed the Categorical that its “present assertion on this incident nonetheless stands”.
The drive added: “We have now obtained the letter and can reply sooner or later.”


















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