Petition launched to install statue of King Charles I on Birmingham island decorated with flags

A petition has been launched on change.org to install a statue of King Charles I on a roundabout in Birmingham already decorated with St George’s and Union Jack flags.

Kingstanding Circle, a roundabout in North Birmingham, has been crammed with many Union Jack and St George’s flags for months on end.

The flags were hung up on the island by a group called Raise the Colours Kingstanding.

Raise the Colours is a nationwide campaign to cover Britain in flags to “volunteer and show unity and patriotism across every town and city”, according to its website.

Now, a petition has been started to install a statue of King Charles I on the roundabout to honour the “iconic story behind the community's name”.

The petition, created by Sean Keatley, states that “Kingstanding derives its name from an intriguing moment in history involving King Charles I.”

It adds: “Legend has it that during the English Civil War in 1642, King Charles stood in this location, presumably overlooking the area, hence the name "Kingstanding".

“This vital piece of heritage not only adds character to our community but also connects us to our country's rich historical tapestry.

“Yet, despite this historical significance, there is no monument or statue to commemorate King Charles I’s link to our area.

“Installing a statue would not only honour this history but also serve as an educational focal point for both locals and visitors.

“It would instil a sense of pride and identity, reminding everyone of the storied past we inherit and preserve.”

The petition adds that erecting a statue would “acknowledge a pivotal moment in our past and embrace an opportunity to enrich our community culture.”

As of Friday 24 April the petition has 319 signatures.

On the issue of the flags on the roundabout, Birmingham City Council recently issued an updated statement making its position “clear” on the use of the flags on public infrastructure.

The council told the Express & Star: “We continue to monitor locations across the city where community concerns are being reported, removing flags with a business-as-usual approach with removal prioritised where there are health and safety issues or a significant impact on local communities.

“The council’s position is clear, attaching items such as flags to lamp columns, signs or other public infrastructure is not permitted and these will be removed.

“People are free to fly or hang flags from their homes or gardens, but we ask that they are not attached or added to street furniture.

“We proudly fly the Union Flag outside the Council House every day and recognise the importance of that and the Flag of St George as symbols of national pride.

“Brummies are proud to be British and proud that this is a welcoming city celebrating many different cultures.”