Labour, Tory Councils Clash Over St George’s Flags Removal Across England

Several councils, including Brighton and Hove, Tower Hamlets, and Birmingham, have removed St George's Cross flags from public spaces following an online campaign called "Operation Raise the Colours," citing enforcement of local bylaws. The removal efforts have faced resistance, with contractors encountering verbal abuse and requiring police presence for safety. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized these removals as "shameful" and accused councils of selectively enforcing rules, pointing out that other flags, such as Palestinian banners, remain untouched. She emphasized that flying the English flag symbolizes unity, nationhood, and optimism and should be welcomed rather than seen as rebellious. Meanwhile, Labour representatives, such as those in Harlow, questioned the motives behind displaying the flags, framing the campaign as potentially divisive and tied to anti-migrant sentiment, while highlighting government failures in immigration policy. The controversy occurs amid wider tensions over migrant hotel protests and competing narratives on national identity and community cohesion.