Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch has launched a blistering attack on a local council for implementing what she brands a "patriotic phobia" policy, after officials banned the flying of the St George's flag.
Spelthorne Borough Council in Surrey has come under fire for its decision to prohibit the English flag from being displayed on its council building, a move that has ignited a fierce debate about national identity and cultural symbolism.
Mrs Badenoch, a senior cabinet minister, did not mince her words in her criticism. She accused the council of undermining fundamental British values and displaying an embarrassing lack of pride in the nation's identity.
The controversy emerged after the council confirmed its policy only permits the Union Jack, the Armed Forces Day flag, and the Pride flag to be flown on the official flagpole. This decision effectively excludes the flag of England from official display.
In a strongly-worded statement, the Business Secretary stated: "The St George's flag is a symbol of our nation's history and identity. To treat it as something to be hidden away is not just wrong – it shows a pathetic lack of confidence in our own values and traditions."
The council's policy has sparked outrage among local residents and patriotic groups alike, with many questioning why the English flag is being singled out for exclusion while other banners are permitted.
This incident highlights the ongoing cultural debates surrounding national symbols and identity politics in modern Britain, with traditional symbols increasingly becoming battlegrounds in wider political discussions.
As pressure mounts on Spelthorne Council to reverse its decision, the controversy raises important questions about how local authorities should approach the display of national symbols and whether current policies reflect the communities they serve.
