Durham County Council has begun removing St George's crosses and union flags from lampposts and roundabouts, citing health and safety concerns. In a statement on X, the council said a risk assessment found that the rope used to hang bunting was so strong that a high-sided vehicle could pull down the poles it was attached to.
The council, led by Reform UK, said it had 'no choice but to remove bunting' to ensure public safety. It encouraged residents to display flags in safer locations that do not involve highway infrastructure. The move comes amid a wider debate over flag-flying across England, with some viewing it as national pride and others linking it to far-right sentiment.
Darren Grimes, deputy leader of Durham council and a Reform UK member, has been vocal on social media about flags. He posted a video captioned 'This isn't just flying a flag. It's the start of the fightback.' Reform MP Lee Anderson also called for union flags to be flown from every public building, while Grimes criticised the flying of Pakistani, Palestinian and LGBTQ+ pride flags.
Other councils, including Lib Dem-run Hertfordshire and Labour-run Brighton, have also removed flags, citing health and safety obligations. The debate has drawn international attention, with Elon Musk posting a St George's cross on X and US Vice President JD Vance urging Britons to 'push back against crazies' criticising flag displays.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has not commented on the recent row, but said on St George's Day in April: 'I do understand the fight over the flag … but that's why we've got to reclaim it. It belongs to all of us.'
