Residents in Portsmouth have expressed outrage after council workers removed England flags from balconies just a day before the national team's World Cup semi-final against Argentina. The incident occurred on Tuesday, July 14, when two Portsmouth City Council staff were caught on doorbell footage taking down a flag attached to a balcony on an estate behind King's Street.
The homeowner has reported the workers to the police for theft, claiming the flag was securely fastened and posed no real fire risk. The council, however, defended the removal, citing fire safety regulations that require communal balconies to be kept clear of combustible items.
Doorbell footage shows flag removal
Video shared online shows the two workers, wearing shorts and high-vis rucksacks, approaching the balcony. One remarks, "Yeah, it's cable tied," before the other cuts the plastic ties with a knife and bundles up the flag. The pair then walk off with the flag, which had been displayed in support of the England team during the World Cup.
Reform UK Councillor George Madgwick condemned the action, telling 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." He added that residents believe it is theft and have reported it to the police. "The flag was attached to a steel bar hung over a concrete block. There is no real fire risk."
Political backlash and calls for discretion
Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman has written to the council leader, urging an investigation and a halt to further flag removals. Her letter states: "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 George Madgwick also called for the council to show national pride: "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."
Council defends fire safety policy
Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, explained the rationale: "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 that the council had consulted with Hampshire Fire & Rescue, which agreed with the approach. Residents are encouraged to display flags inside their homes, such as in windows, to show support while maintaining safety.
Similar incidents elsewhere in UK
This is not an isolated case. In Northwich, Cheshire, locals were ordered to remove England flags from streetlights and road signs by Cheshire West Council just days before the semi-final. The council acknowledged that flags are "an important symbol of national identity, unity, and respect" but stressed that illegal attachments pose a "risk to public safety" and are "unacceptable." Strict regulations govern flag displays, with fines of up to £2,500 for non-compliance.
The debate over flying the England flag has become contentious during this World Cup, with some associating it with far-right groups. However, many residents insist it is a symbol of support for the national team and not a political statement. As England prepares for their historic clash against Argentina in Atlanta, the flag removals have added a layer of controversy to the national mood.
