A Union flag raised over one of the North East’s best-known landmarks has been torn down by the National Trust, sparking outrage among locals who described the move as “an absolute disgrace.” The huge flag was discovered flying on top of the Penshaw Monument near Sunderland on Friday. The 70ft structure, built in 1844 and now Grade I-listed, has long been one of the region’s most recognisable sites. Its sudden appearance draped in the national flag drew both praise and criticism — before the banner was swiftly removed.
The National Trust, which owns the monument, said the flag had been attached without permission. A spokesman explained: “Anything that’s attached to historic buildings without authorisation will be taken down. We will also assess whether any damage has been caused to the monument, which is an important part of our shared local and national heritage.”
Videos shared on social media show the flag being removed shortly afterwards.
Many residents condemned the decision, saying the flag should have been allowed to remain in place. One local, who asked not to be named, told the Telegraph: “I’m upset about it. That flag stands for everything this country once had. The values, democracy, pride. All that has been tarnished by those in charge.”
Others accused the Trust of showing disrespect to British traditions. another resident remarked: “It’s shocking. An absolute disgrace.”
The stunt is part of a wider campaign known as Operation Raise the Colours, in which activists have mounted Union flags at prominent sites across the country.
In Dover, the group responsible — Raise the Colours — recently unfurled a giant banner reading “Unite the Kingdom” along the White Cliffs. Supporters also set off red and blue flares and displayed placards including the slogan “Stop the boats.”
Ryan Bridge, a spokesman for the group, said: “Every other country in Europe and across the world seems to fly their flags and show their patriotism, but we’ve lost our identity in the UK.
“The flags are about the pressure and strain our country is under due to migration and the government. It’s nothing to do with racism whatsoever.”
On the removal at Penshaw, he conceded: “If they have taken it down, it’s their prerogative. They are bound by strict rules. But we just want to fly the flag of our beautiful country.”
The group also used its latest demonstrations to pay tribute to US activist Charlie Kirk, who was killed in a campus shooting in Utah this week.
Members held signs reading “RIP Charlie Kirk,” saying they admired his outspoken defence of conservative values.
The movement has divided opinion. Several local authorities have begun stripping down flags from lamp posts and bridges, insisting unauthorised banners risk public safety. Birmingham Council described the displays as hazardous, while Tower Hamlets Council said removals were part of “routine maintenance.”
Lee Anderson, the Reform UK MP, hit back, calling the clean-up operations “a disgrace” and accusing councils of showing “utter contempt for the British people.”
The row follows a series of disputes involving the National Trust, which has in recent years faced accusations of embracing “progressive causes” at the expense of tradition.