On Friday 14th November, the Dialogue Society hosted an event in Birmingham titled “Can We Unite the Kingdom? Building a Progressive Patriotism in Birmingham”. The event brought together academics, artists, activists, and community members to explore questions of patriotism, identity, and belonging in a diverse city that often reflects wider national debates.
The event opened with an interactive workshop facilitated by the local Mavens Club Art Collective. Participants were invited to design their own flags, an activity intended both as an icebreaker and as a creative prompt to reflect on ideas of identity, symbolism, and patriotism. The exercise encouraged participants to think critically about what flags represent, who they include, and who they exclude.
Following the workshop, the event moved into a panel discussion featuring four speakers: Mukhtar Dar, artist and cultural activist; Professor Tahir Abbas, Professor of International Justice; Dr Zaki Nahaboo, Lecturer in Sociology; and Mandy Ross, writer, counsellor, and social activist. The discussion was structured in three parts: the current state of patriotism and identity, possible pathways towards a more progressive patriotism, and questions from the audience.
The Current Landscape of Patriotism and Identity
The panellists broadly agreed that the growing visibility of flags across parts of Birmingham and the UK cannot be separated from wider social and economic conditions. They highlighted how economic decline, austerity, and political neglect have created fertile ground for forms of nationalism rooted in exclusion and resentment rather than shared civic values.
Professor Tahir Abbas reflected on the long-term effects of deindustrialisation and the shift towards a service-based economy, particularly in working-class communities. He noted that these are often the same areas where nationalist symbolism becomes more prominent. Despite Birmingham being a city where around half of the population is from minority ethnic backgrounds, the existence of informal “no-go areas” for certain communities remains a reality. Abbas also emphasised that concepts such as “Englishness” are far more complex than often presented in political discourse, pointing to Birmingham’s multicultural contributions to national culture, such as the origins of Chicken Tikka Masala.
Dr Zaki Nahaboo explored the distinction between patriotism as love for one’s country and nationalism as a form of identity built on exclusion and hostility. He highlighted that flags do not operate in isolation but acquire meaning through context, citing Northern Ireland as an example where symbolism carries deep historical and political significance. He questioned whether it is possible to love one’s country without marginalising those labelled as outsiders or non-citizens.
Mandy Ross shared a personal reflection on the complexity of identity, noting how her own family history includes anglicisation of surnames to avoid antisemitic persecution. She spoke about Birmingham’s lesser-known history of welcoming and celebrating migrants, arguing that these stories of solidarity and coexistence are rarely given the attention they deserve.
Mukhtar Dar situated current debates within a longer historical trajectory, drawing parallels with the racism and far-right organising he witnessed during the 1980s. He argued that contemporary nationalist movements are deeply connected to racism and fascism, with symbols such as flags carrying the legacy of empire and colonialism. Reflecting on his own upbringing in Pakistan, Dar described how nationalism can be taught through hostility towards others, only to be unlearned through meaningful relationships across communities.
Pathways Towards Progressive Patriotism
In the second part of the discussion, the panellists turned their attention to solutions and possibilities. A recurring theme was the need for unity across communities, while avoiding competitive identity politics that can reinforce division.
Professor Abbas emphasised that polarisation is often exacerbated by political systems and monetised social media platforms that reward outrage and division. He argued that people are stronger when organised collectively and that those drawn to nationalist movements are often themselves victims of state neglect. Building a progressive patriotism, he suggested, requires engaging with these groups rather than dismissing them.
Mandy Ross highlighted the power of small, everyday acts of solidarity. Drawing on her experiences following attacks on both a synagogue and a mosque, she spoke about the impact of simple messages of support across faith and community lines. She argued that when marginalised groups stand together, they cease to be minorities and create conditions in which everyone can flourish.
Dr Nahaboo questioned whether “progressive patriotism” is always the right framework, suggesting that it may struggle to accommodate internationalist values. He offered historical examples such as international volunteers in the Spanish Civil War, motivated by solidarity rather than national allegiance. He also stressed that culture is fluid and constantly evolving, using food traditions as a way to illustrate how identities are shaped through global exchange.
Mukhtar Dar called for difficult conversations that challenge dominant narratives and dismantle harmful arguments. While acknowledging aspects of British history that can inspire pride, such as the Magna Carta and the Chartist movement, he insisted these must be understood within the broader context of empire and colonialism. Rather than competing over symbols, Dar argued for a focus on shared struggles and common ground as a way to counter far-right movements.
Audience Reflections and Discussion
The final part of the event invited questions and comments from the audience. Topics included the role of flags in public space, the relationship between nationalism and violence against women, the possibility of a universal identity, and the challenges of practising meaningful anti-racism. These contributions added further depth to an already wide-ranging discussion.
The event concluded with a sense that while questions of patriotism and identity remain complex and contested, spaces for open dialogue are essential. By bringing together diverse perspectives and encouraging critical reflection, the event demonstrated the potential for conversations that move beyond division towards mutual understanding.
An audio recording of the event is available for those who wish to explore the discussion in more detail.
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