It is “shameful” of councils to remove St George’s Cross flags
St George’s flags are popping up in Birmingham(Image: Nick Wilkinson/Birmingham Live)
Kemi Badenoch has labelled it as “shameful” for councils to take down St George’s Cross flags, alleging that local regulations are being applied “selectively”.
This week, several local authorities, including Tower Hamlets in east London and Birmingham, have removed flags after campaigners put them up following an online initiative dubbed “Operation Raise the Colours”.
Penning her thoughts in the Daily Mail, the Conservative leader expressed that the hoisting of English flags should be “welcomed”, rather than “seen as an act of rebellion”.
Read more: All the flags UK households are allowed
“After years of politicisation by those who seek to diminish England’s culture and Christian heritage, it is encouraging to see English flags flown proudly as symbols of unity, nationhood and optimism,” she stated.
“So, it is shameful that some councils have scrambled to remove them at the first opportunity, even in the lead-up to VJ Day, while leaving banners of other nations and political causes untouched.
“This is not about by-laws or policy. Councils will say they are enforcing local rules, but the point is they apply those rules selectively.”
Ms Badenoch has criticised some councils for their reluctance to “address the widespread appearance of Palestinian flags” suggesting this is indicative of “those using power to push a sectarian agenda”.
She went on to say: “Suppressing the English flag does not stop division. It fuels it.
“If more councils embraced our shared national identity instead of fearing it, we would not be in a position where flying our own flag is seen as an act of rebellion.”
This week, Downing Street confirmed that the Prime Minister is “absolutely” behind those displaying English flags.
Sir Keir Starmer’s spokesperson remarked: “I think the PM has always talked about his pride of being British, the patriotism he feels.
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“He’s mentioned this before […] especially following the Lionesses’ triumphant Euro campaign.
“Patriotism will always be an important thing to him.
“We put up English flags all around Downing Street every time the English football team – women’s and men’s – are out trying to win games for us.”
Tower Hamlets Council has clarified that it operates a “policy setting out which flags are flown from council buildings and on which occasions”.
The council further stated: “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.”
The council has issued a reminder that flags hoisted on city-owned structures without authorisation may be taken down during standard upkeep.
A spokesperson for Birmingham City Council remarked: “We proudly fly the Union flag outside the Council House every day and recognise the importance of the Union flag and flag of St George as symbols of national pride.”
They added: “Brummies are proud to be British and proud that this is a welcoming city celebrating many different cultures.”
Regarding items affixed to streetlights, the spokesperson clarified, “When it comes to items attached to lamp posts, it is normal council procedure for these to be removed on a regular basis, in line with our health and safety obligations.”
The council’s stance remains that while individuals are at liberty to display or drape flags from their dwellings or gardens, they should refrain from attaching them to public fixtures, stating, “As has always been the case, people are free to fly or hang flags from their homes or gardens, but we ask that they are not attached to street furniture.”