All 12 Reform UK councils have today signed a pledge promising that they will not take down any flags tied to lampposts, as a wave of patriotic activism explodes across England. Guerrilla groups have unleashed a wave of protests over the past week, focussing on putting up both Union Jacks and the flag of St George in protest of unpatriotic councils.
So far the protests have focused on left-wing councils, as rebels serve to highlight a two-tier approach to flags depending on whether they are British or Palestinian. However in a new statement all Reform UK-controlled councils have said they will not take down the flags. The party has said the flags are both symbols of “unity and inclusion”, and would therefore remain up should they be erected in their parts of the country.
Nigel Farage said: “Union flags and the Cross of St George should and will fly across the country. Reform UK will never shy away from celebrating our nation.”
Leader of Lancashire county council and chairman of the Reform UK Local Government Association group Stephen Atkinson added: “Reform UK councils are clear: where done sensibly, we fully support the flying of Union and St George flags on lampposts.
“These flags are not only a sign of unity and inclusion, but also of national pride. We will never get in the way of those who wish to express love for their country.”
It was signed by the leaders of Kent, Lancashire, Durham, Staffordshire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Worcestershire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Warwickshire, West Northamptonshire, North Northamptonshire.
Earlier today both Birmingham Council and Tower Hamlets council said they were moving to pull down the flags in their area as soon as possible.
Reform UK’s Lee Anderson said it was a “shameful double standard by Tower Hamlets Council.”
“To rip down Union and St George’s flags whilst letting Palestinian ones fly across the city is a kick in the teeth to ordinary Brits and shows utter contempt to the people they’re supposed to represent.”
The local authority previously refused to remove Palestine flags hanging from lampposts and council buildings.
It eventually bowed to pressure after Jewish families complained they were intimidating and divisive.
The row comes after Birmingham City Council ordered the removal of Union and St George’s flags raised on lampposts in a “patriotic outpouring”.
The Labour-run town hall claimed the standards could pose a risk to pedestrians and motorists, despite flying high above the ground.
On Monday, Downing Street backed people flying English flags but declined to comment on “specific cases”.
Towel Hamlets Council spokesperson said: “The council has a policy setting out which flags are flown from council buildings and on which occasions.
“We are aware members of the public have been putting up St George flags on various structures.
“While we recognise people wish to express their views, we have a responsibility to monitor and maintain council infrastructure.
“Where flags are attached to council-owned infrastructure without permission, they may be removed as part of routine maintenance.”
