HDN Think Piece – Flying the Flag, Unity in a Time of Division

Why symbols matter, why silence is not an option, and how we can build stronger communities together, Sahil Khan writes for HDN

There is a Union Jack above my local fire station. It has always been there, flown correctly and respectfully, and no one I know has ever had an issue with it. I live in a vibrant, multicultural area, and for me, that flag has always represented community, fairness, justice, hope and democracy, even with the complexities of our past and the negative ways it has been used by racists.

When I take my children to the park, we have a little tradition. We look across to Windsor Castle in the distance to see if the King is in by checking the flag. That is what the flag should mean, something that brings people together.

In recent weeks, the sudden appearance of flags everywhere has made me feel uneasy. If raising the colours was about national pride, surely it would feel inclusive, warm and welcoming. These displays are not about resisting austerity or improving public services. They are not about giving people a voice on immigration policy. The way they are being used now, and what they have come to represent, feels unsettling. Almost every person of colour I know has a “spidey sense” when it comes to prejudice. We have had to develop it.

This sense kicks in when you are asked, “Where are you from? No, where are you really from?” Or when someone says, “You speak good English,” or “You have done well for yourself.” These comments may seem harmless, but they remind you that you are different, that you should feel grateful and that you do not really belong. That sense is what I felt driving through a town centre lined with flags, stopping to refuel as the only person of colour. It is what I felt when family and friends told me to “be careful” before travelling to a conference, not because of the city where it was being hosted, as I have always had a positive experience there, but because of the current climate.

The hardest part for me is the questions from my children. I feel sad and disappointed that I can no longer shield them from this. They are fourth generation. English is their first language. They can describe what being English means better than most. Yet they too will face being “othered.” That breaks my heart.

I co-chair our Race Equity Network, and in the past few weeks, more than a few colleagues have shared incidents of verbal abuse. This is not just about symbols. It is about the fear being stoked, the narratives that embolden certain people, and the silence that allows it to grow.

The truth is that the majority of people in this country do not share the views of the far right. They want to live in a society that is fair, inclusive and respectful. That gives me hope. However, hope alone is not enough. Silence is never neutral. When we stay quiet, harmful narratives grow unchecked.

We are hearing a story about a broken Britain, a country divided beyond repair. That story is not true. Yes, we face challenges such as economic pressures, housing shortages and inequality. These challenges are real, but they are not impossible to overcome. We can solve them if we choose solidarity over division. We can reject fear and choose hope.

So what can we do?

• Speak up. Use your voice and your allyship. Silence gives space for hate to grow.

• Create safe spaces. Check in with colleagues. A single message can make a huge difference.

• Challenge exclusion. Name the behaviour, as intimidation and harassment are never acceptable.

• Invest in cohesion. As housing organisations, our role goes beyond bricks and mortar. We must invest in building cohesive communities.

Each of us has a role to play. Speak up, show up and stand together. The question is, what will you do today to make a positive difference?

Sahil Khan is Director of Community Strategy, Partnerships and Funding at Peabody