Two Labour-run councils in England have come under fire for removing English and Union flags while allowing Palestinian flags to remain flying. The councils in Tower Hamlets, east London, and Birmingham both justified the removals on grounds of community cohesion and health and safety, but critics have accused them of double standards.
Tower Hamlets, led by Lutfur Rahman of the pro-Palestinian Aspire party, removed St George's crosses and Union Jacks from lampposts, including in Canary Wharf. However, Palestinian flags that had been in place for more than six months were left untouched, with the council saying their removal could “destabilise community cohesion”. Footage of workers taking down English flags sparked a backlash online.
In Birmingham, the Labour council claimed that the English and Union flags were a dangerous distraction for pedestrians and motorists. Yet Pride flags and the flags of Pakistan and India, projected onto the public library to mark their independence anniversaries, were deemed acceptable. Health and safety was not cited in those cases.
Public fundraising campaigns have since raised over £10,000 in Birmingham and £2,500 in York to buy replacement English and Union flags. Organisers say the money will be used to erect flags in areas where they were removed.
Sir Keir Starmer’s spokesman defended the English flag, saying, “We put up English flags all around Downing Street every time the English football team … are out trying to win games for us.” The prime minister has declared his support for the flag amid the row.
The controversy highlights the contested status of the English flag outside sporting events, where it is often associated with right-wing nationalism. Commentators argue that treating the flag as problematic in Muslim-majority areas raises questions about loyalty to national symbols.
