Is Nigel Farage ‘sucking up to Moscow’ as Ukrainian flags taken down? – Have your say

Reform UK has come under fire for allegedly ‘sucking up to Moscow’ following their decision to ban Ukrainian flags from being flown on council buildings they govern(Image: (Image: Getty))

Reform UK has been accused of “sucking up to Moscow” by banning Ukrainian flags from council buildings they control.

After a successful showing in the recent English local elections, with Nigel Farage’s party seizing the reins in 10 councils, including Kent, Lincolnshire, and Derbyshire, they implemented a policy limiting flag displays to just the Union Jack and St George’s flag.

Do you think the Ukrainian flag should be flown in support of Ukraine? Is Nigel Farage ‘sucking up to Moscow?’ Have your say in our comments section.

Their decision would mean taking down Ukrainian flags, which have been flown in solidarity with Kyiv during Russia’s aggression.

Party chairman Zia Yusuf announced: “Reform controlled English councils will move at speed to resolve that the *only* flags permitted to be flown on or in its buildings will be the Union Jack and the St George’s flag. No other flags will be permitted to be flown on its flag-poles, balconies, reception desks or council-chamber walls.”

The party initially faced a barrage of backlash over this policy but later made a compromise, allowing England’s traditional county flags to be raised by Reform councils, as reported by the Mirror.

Nonetheless, the ban on Ukrainian flags persists. This contentious decision, coinciding with VE Day tributes marking the end of WWII in Europe, has provoked ire from members of parliament.

Labour MP for Dover and Deal, Mike Tapp, didn’t mince his words as he pondered the historical importance of VE Day. He declared: “As VE Day reminds us, Britain has a proud history of working with allies to defeat dictators and tyrants. It tells you all you need to know about Nigel Farage’s Reform that their very first act after winning elections is to ban the Ukrainian flag from our town halls, in this of all weeks.”

He went on to lambast the party’s association with contentious viewpoints, stating: “But while it is sickening, it should come as no surprise: Farage told us that Vladimir Putin is the world leader he most admires. Farage and Reform councillors should stop sucking up to Moscow and drop their ban on flying the Ukrainian flag immediately.”

Veterans Minister Al Carns also had his say on the issue, branding Reform UK’s actions as ‘completely wrong’. He implored, “On the day that Ukrainian troops march alongside British personnel to commemorate VE Day, it’s completely wrong for Reform to pull down the Ukrainian flag from council buildings.”

Carns continued to rally for change: “They should reverse this decision. The Ukraine conflict is a reminder that freedom isn’t free, and we must continue to stand up for the values our VE generation fought for.”

A spokesperson for Reform UK underscored the party’s distinct stance, stating: “Reform UK will proudly fly the Union Jack, St George’s flag and county flags. Unlike the Tories and Labour, we are proud of our country and history.”

Do you think the Ukrainian flag should be flown in support of Ukraine? Is Nigel Farage ‘sucking up to Moscow?’ Have your say in our comments section.