A Bermondsey estate described as “England’s most patriotic” has raised a Ukrainian flag in solidarity, after the country’s invasion by the Russian army.
Residents of the Kirby Estate, on the corner of Southwark Park Road and Jamaica Road, put up the flag over the weekend – and removed some smaller Russian flags from their collection of bunting.
Chris Dowse, who lives on the estate, said: “There’s not much we can physically do and so we’re showing our support any way we can.”
Euro 2020: Bermondsey’s Kirby Estate once again flies the flag for England
There are no Ukrainians or Russians living on the estate, as far as Mr Dowse is aware.
The Kirby Estate is famous for putting up huge numbers of St George’s Cross flags to show support for the England national football team at international tournaments.
Last summer’s display for Euro 2020 was the biggest yet with nearly 400 flags. The residents first covered the estate in St George’s Cross flags for Euro 2012, and the display hit the national news at World Cup 2018.
“There are no Ukrainians or Russians living on the estate, as far as Mr Dowse is aware.”
“put up the flag over the weekend – and removed some smaller Russian flags”
I doubt any Russian immigrant would ever make themselves known in that neighbourhood after such a jingoistic display.
“We don’t want to fight but by Jingo if we do
We’ve got the ships, we’ve got the men, we’ve got the money too
We’ve fought the Bear before, and while we’re Britons true
The Russians shall not have Constantinople!”