Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has condemned councils as "shameful" for removing St George's Cross flags, accusing local authorities of applying regulations "selectively". Her criticism follows the removal of English flags by several councils this week, including Tower Hamlets in east London and Birmingham.
The flag displays emerged from an online campaign called "Operation Raise the Colours" that has spread across multiple UK cities. Writing in the Daily Mail, Badenoch argued that flying English flags should be "welcomed" rather than "seen as an act of rebellion".
"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. She particularly criticised the timing of flag removals in the lead-up to VJ Day.
Selective enforcement allegations
Badenoch accused councils of inconsistent policy application, claiming they ignore "the widespread appearance of Palestinian flags" while targeting English ones. She argued this demonstrates "those using power to push a sectarian agenda".
"This is not about by-laws or policy," she said. "Councils will say they are enforcing local rules, but the point is they apply those rules selectively."
The Conservative leader warned that "suppressing the English flag does not stop division. It fuels it."
Government support emerges
Downing Street confirmed Sir Keir Starmer (Labour) is "absolutely" behind those displaying English flags. The Prime Minister's spokesperson emphasised Starmer's patriotism and noted how Downing Street regularly flies English flags during national football matches.
"Patriotism will always be an important thing to him," the spokesperson said, referencing support shown during the Lionesses' Euro campaign.
Safety concerns and commercial impact
Only the Daily Mail reports that Brighton council workers have refused to remove flags without police protection due to verbal abuse from campaigners. The controversy has triggered a commercial surge, with flag retailers reporting sales jumping from tens to hundreds weekly.
The campaign originated with the Weoley Warriors group in Birmingham, initially celebrating the Lionesses' Euro success before expanding through social media. However, Nick Ireland, Dorset Council leader, warned the movement has been "hijacked" by far-right groups and is "intimidating" to some residents.
Council responses
Tower Hamlets Council defended its actions, stating it operates a "policy setting out which flags are flown from council buildings and on which occasions". The council emphasised its responsibility to "monitor and maintain council infrastructure" while noting unauthorised flags may be removed during standard maintenance.
Birmingham City Council said it "proudly" flies the Union flag daily and recognises both the Union flag and St George's Cross as "symbols of national pride". However, it maintains that items attached to street furniture must be removed for health and safety reasons, though residents remain "free to fly or hang flags from their homes or gardens".
Sources used: "Daily Mail", "Birmingham Mail", "Express" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
