Stonehouse Town Labour Councillor John Callinan has issued a strong message of unity to residents following the recent appearance of Union and St George’s Cross flags on lampposts along the town’s high street.
Residents of Stonehouse joined town councillors, Stroud MP Dr. Simon Opher, and Labour District Councillors on Saturday morning in a show of unity, celebrating shared British values symbolised by the St George’s Cross.
The event followed the recent appearance of Union and St George’s Cross flags on lampposts along the high street. The community gathering featured flags emblazoned with words reflecting core British values such as respect, fairness, and unity.
Cllr. John Callinan said: “The Union flag and the St George’s Cross flag represent our shared British values. Values that many current and past residents of Stonehouse fought hard to protect.
“They do not belong to one group over another but are for everyone. So it really irks me that a very small group of extremists is trying to use them to divide our community. But I have news for them: we are stronger than that, we have seen your like before, and we will not be divided.”
Leader of the Stroud District Council Labour Group, Cllr. Katy Hofmann, added: “Some people in Stonehouse are feeling intimidated by these flags on lampposts and by the behaviour of a handful of people. The county council highways team has received a number of complaints and will have to remove the flags at a cost to the council tax payer.
“My message to people wishing to express their patriotism is: get involved. Support your community by volunteering — organise a litter pick, help out in your local community hub, or hear local children read.”
Dr. Simon Opher, MP for Stroud, praised the unity shown by residents, saying:
“Stonehouse has once again demonstrated the best of our community spirit — standing together for shared values of respect and inclusion. Patriotism should always bring people together, never drive them apart.”
The event reaffirmed the town’s commitment to inclusivity and community spirit, with residents and representatives standing together to show that Stonehouse’s strength lies in unity and shared values.
