Operation Raise the Colours is a movement to put up the St George’s flag and the union flag on lampposts and other street furniture. In response, Cllr Newmark said: “I’m sorry but I’m not playing. “I won’t be taking lectures on our national flag and extremism from a councillor that has the audacity to speak in almost glowing terms in this question to the council about Operation Raise the Colours. “Operation Raise the Colours: an organised, orchestrated attempt by a bunch of criminals, extremists [and] nonces to hijack our national flag. “This effort seeks to misuse the union flag to intimidate certain groups.