A Reform UK-led council has said that it will remove flags and bunting put up in a patriotic display over safety concerns. Durham county council issued a statement on X on Friday, saying that it was important that the desire to express national pride did not “compromise public safety.”
Across the country, flags and other patriotic symbols have been put up as part of a grassroots campaign called “operation raise the colours”, which seeks to promote “Anglocentric patriotism.” The campaign has seen symbols erected across the country, largely without prior discussion with local authorities, leading to some councils choosing to remove them, often on safety grounds. Durham county council said that it had been “left with no choice” but to remove flags attached to lampposts due to fears that “the rope involved was so strong that, had a high-sided vehicle driven into it, the poles it was attached to could have been pulled down.”
A council spokesperson said: “On Thursday (August 28) we were left with no choice but to remove bunting across a road at New Brancepeth, following a risk assessment.
“The rope involved was so strong that, had a high-sided vehicle driven into it, the poles it was attached to could have been pulled down.
“We will initially only remove flags and decorations where they: pose a danger to highway users; obstruct visibility for drivers or pedestrians; or are poorly secured or loose, increasing the risk of falling.”
They added: “We also want to highlight the significant safety risks involved in the installation of flags on lighting columns.
“The weight of a person climbing or working on a column can lead to structural failure, endangering both the installer and the public.”
“We encourage residents to consider safer and more appropriate locations for flags or other displays that do not involve highway infrastructure.
“While we understand and respect the community’s desire to express national pride, celebration, or remembrance, it is important to ensure such expressions do not compromise public safety.”
Darlington Council leader Cllr Steve Harker told the Northern Echo: “People have different reasons for putting up flags, including showing patriotism and support for national sports teams.
“Separately, however, there has been politically-motivated graffiti and criminal damage around the town. This we condemn.”
Politicians across the country have been questioned about the campaign, including the Prime Minister who said that he was “absolutely” supportive of people who put up English flags, insisting that patriotism will “always be an important thing”.
The campaign has been criticised by some, with Hope Not Hate accusing the organisers of being “hardened and extreme far-right activists.”
They said: “There is nothing wrong with raising the Union Jack or cross of St George. Despite what people claim on social media, it’s not illegal to be proud to be English or British! It’s also true that not everyone who has raised a flag is far right.
“But the fact that much of this wave of activism is being organised by well-known racists and extremists does raise questions about the motivations behind much of Operation Raise the Colours.”