Thread by @docrussjackson

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'Flag Force UK': The “Grassroots” Group With Hidden Think Tank Ties.

Flag Force UK presents itself as a patriotic, grassroots movement “built by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts.” But closer inspection suggests it may be a coordinated #astroturf operation...

Supposedly based in York, 'Flag Force UK' self-identifies as a "grass roots" campaign set up by three men who 'just wanted to put England and Union flags up', and which already brands itself as "the UK's premier community network tracking flag raisings across the nation."

Rapid Growth, Opaque Origins

Flag Force UK appeared suddenly in August 2025, yet within weeks, its account on @X had amassed a suspicious 12,000 followers — unusually rapid growth for a new, 'volunteer-led' group with little media coverage or on-the-ground activity.

The organisation solicits donations through a vague crowdfunding page (the link is currently broken) but offers no transparency over its financial structure, goals, or leadership on its website, which resembles that of think tanks such as Rob Bates's Centre for Migration Control.

The group’s website mirrors the design style of the anti-migrant think tank CMC, raising suspicion of shared origins or backers.

Such tactics — adopting grassroots aesthetics while masking true funding — are a hallmark of astroturfing.

Flag Force UK’s founder, Joseph Moulton, recently had a very softball interview on GB "News" to promote the group’s flag campaign as a way of 'rekindling community spirit'.

He presents himself as a 'patriotic activist', yet his professional background tells a different story.

Moulton's back story on the surface appears to be that of a 'concerned citizen' acting with 'a few mates'. A closer look reveals a suspiciously competent performance on GB "News", his rhetoric littered with phrases like "nanny state" and stats used by #TuftonStreet think tankers:

There is little about Moulton online, so I checked LinkedIn.

Matching his profile photo with his GB "News" appearance (note gold cross), his profile reveals a career not in local community organising, but in defence consultancy, commodities, and international business strategy.

Moulton is the founder of 'Geocapita', a little-known 'Westminster-based think tank' describing itself as 'a non-profit providing analysis on global trade and resources for decision-makers'.

Its website, , is very revealing. Geocapita.org

Geocapita’s language is steeped in geopolitics, intelligence, and policy advice — a far cry from the volunteer enthusiasm 'Flag Force UK' claims to represent.

Given the sudden rise of 'Flag Force', some of Gecapita's terminology and phrasing takes on an interesting resonance.

Geocapita (unusually a 'Registered Society') warns that "the world is entering its most tumultuous and volatile time since the fall of the USSR, Geocapita seeks to empower those in positions of intelligence and perspective to contribute to the proactive class of people."

Geocapita declares that "More than ever the world is split between the reactive and proactive, with the war of information resulting in a newfound "fog of war" being created around good intelligence and analysis to inform decision making."

A 'fog of culture war' morelike.

Moutlon's Geocapita also claims it "is founded by individuals with experience working with senior leaders in governance and industry, from presidents to CEOs, allowing all our pieces to synthesise perspectives on policy and commerical aspects".

The sentence I really noticed in the context of "Flag Force', was: "We further intend to act as facilitators for international agreements and understandings to pave the way for mutually beneficial agreements and NATION BUILDING PROJECTS". Is Britain one of their 'projects'? 🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

There is no specific address or precise location provided for Geocapita, other than its claim to be a "Westminster-based think tank". Its @X account has two followers, one of which is Moulton, who uses a photo that looks like it was taken in Dubai. Moulton has four followers.

As well as founding Geocapita, Moulton also founded the 'Oberion Group', described as primarily a defence and supply chain consultancy incorporated in July 2025 — just weeks before Flag Force UK launched. His co-director is 20-year-old Leo Horton, which raises further questions.

Oberion's website isn't accessible, but we can see below that it describes itself as "A firm specialised in Exposure Intelligence, Defense Procurement, Renewable Energy, and something called 'Data Erasure', headquartered in Dubai, UAE."

The plot thickens! oberiongroup.com

Oddly, despite claiming Oberion is based in Dubai, Moulton's LinkidIn profile suggests he and it have since Febraury 2024 have been based in Limassol, Cyprus, yet his previous ventures suggest he's been in Dubai since April 2022.

GB "News" co-owner, Legatum, is also Dubai-based.

Astroturfing?

The timing is striking: Oberion’s incorporation in July, followed by Flag Force’s explosive debut in August.

Moulton’s presence in think tank and defence networks contrasts with the “accidental” “ordinary enthusiast” image presented here:
youtube.com/shorts/L6fO8ci…

Astroturf campaigns are designed to create the illusion of grassroots support while being orchestrated by well-connected professionals.

Flag Force's astroturf attributes:

Opaque finances
Instant platforming
Rapid online follower growth
Leadership tied to defence and think tanks

Flag Force UK is positioning itself as a patriotic movement, but its foundations suggest something more manufactured — a vehicle for shaping public debate under the guise of popular enthusiasm during a time of numerous "patriotic" anti-migrant campaigns.

tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.10…

Unless its founders disclose funding sources and organisational ties, and GB "News" and no doubt numerous other partisan news media, disclose the founder's links, any claims of Flag Force being a genuine grassroots movement should be treated with caution.

GB "News" has a habit of platforming orchestrated astroturf groups: the channel may be a front for billionaire-funded geopolitical machinery designed explicitly to protect the wealth and power of the rich and powerful from democracy using Divide and Rule.

In other flag-raising news...

As Migration Minister, Jenrick slowed down the processing of asylum claims AND procured hotels to house them. Last week, the liar attended a hotel protest organised by the far-right, met JD Vance, and lied about sex offences committed by foreign nationals.

Other right-wing 'news' media are pushing the claim that 'Flag Force' is a 'grassroots' campaign.

The bandwagon effect is a psychological phenomenon where people tend to adopt certain behaviors, follow trends, or agree with opinions simply because they are popular. The Express:

Have you heard of the #RockbridgeNetwork yet?

You'll be hearing a lot more about them if politicians and journalists that genuinely care about Britain and our democracy ever grow spines...

So what can be done about all this?

Here are a few suggestions.