Portsmouth City Council workers were caught on doorbell camera removing England flags from residential balconies on July 14, the day before the Three Lions faced Argentina in a historic World Cup semi-final. The homeowner reported the two men to police for theft, while the council defended the removal as a fire safety measure.
Doorbell Footage Captures Flag Removal
Footage posted online shows two workers in shorts and high-vis rucksacks arriving at an estate behind King’s Street in Portsmouth. One worker says, "Yeah, it's cable tied," before the second cuts the plastic fastenings with a knife, rolls up the flag, and walks away. The flag had been attached to a steel bar hung over a concrete block.
Reform UK Councillor George Madgwick told Metro: "I’m unaware if they gave a warning, however their standard practice is to send a letter with notice. Normally only a failure to comply results in removal and a fee for return. The local residents believe it is theft and have reported it to the police. It was put up for the World Cup just a few weeks ago."
Council Cites Fire Safety Policy
Portsmouth City Council claimed the flag was a fire risk. Councillor Steve Pitt, Leader of the council, said: "We understand residents want to show their support for England, and we’re pleased to see the community getting behind the team. However, our fire safety policy, reinforced by Hampshire Fire & Rescue and the Fire Safety Act, requires communal balconies to be kept clear of anything that could catch fire, spread fire, or block safe access. This applies to all items placed on balconies, including flags and banners."
He added: "We have consulted with Hampshire Fire & Rescue, and they agree with our approach to keeping communal balconies clear in the interests of fire safety. Residents are welcome to display flags inside their homes, such as in a window, where they can still show their support while helping to keep everyone safe."
Politicians React with Outrage
Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman wrote to the council leader urging him to investigate and stop taking down England flags. Her letter stated: "Rightly people are excited ahead of tomorrow’s historic Semi Final between England and Argentina. Flying the English flag to support the national side is a symbol of pride that everyone, no matter their political persuasion should be getting behind. No other country in the world would be taking down its own national flag."
Councillor Madgwick added: "The flag was attached to a steel bar hung over a concrete block. There is no real fire risk. The council need to have pride in our nation and its hopes for the World Cup and should have used their discretion to remove it after. The leader should support the England team and the excitement shared by local residents by instructing officers to be sensible and use their discretion to delay the removal of flags until the conclusion of the tournament. National pride is vital and positivity is needed right now and the removal of national flags sends the wrong negative message."
Similar Incidents Elsewhere
This is not the only area in the UK where flags have been taken down. In Northwich, Cheshire, residents were ordered to remove flags by Cheshire West Council just days before the semi-final. The council acknowledged that England flags represent "an important symbol of national identity, unity, and respect" but maintained that unlawful fixing to streetlights and road signs is "unacceptable" and a "risk to public safety."
There are strict rules on how flags can be displayed, and Brits could be fined up to £2,500 if these are broken. The display of the England flag has become a complex issue this World Cup, with some associating it with far-right groups, while others see it as a symbol of pride for the national team's historic run.
