Two councillors in Stockport have called for England flags and Union Jacks attached to lamp-posts to be taken down, citing concerns from residents about racism. The flags have appeared as part of the 'Operation Raise the Colours' campaign, which encourages the display of flags in public places across Greater Manchester.
Councillor Jon Byrne, who represents the Manor ward, told a council meeting that many residents had been in touch 'to express their upsetting concern' about the flags. He said: 'We need to make a stand and we need to show that any form of racism is unacceptable, even when dressed up as patriotism. I will re-ask as I have done countless times over the past few months, take the flags down without delay.'
He was supported by Labour colleague Councillor Claire Vibert, who represents the Heatons South ward. She said: 'Sometimes it's hard but we have to just do the right thing, so I just wanted to lend my voice to the request from councillor Byrne that the flags are taken down and that we show our communities that we don’t tolerate acts that are intended to intimidate others members of our community.'
Council leader Mark Roberts said flags may remain in place for now, unless they pose a safety risk or have slogans written on them. He added: 'One of the factors that we considered in our response, was that in some areas where councils have taken a decision to remove flags, more appeared almost immediately, which risked increasing tensions, and the safety risk to our staff.' He also noted that removing them could 'send a signal that the flag itself is divisive, when in fact it represents us all.'
Downing Street has expressed support for those displaying flags, with a spokesman saying the Prime Minister has 'always talked about his pride of being British'. The government has issued guidance encouraging the flying of the Union Flag on all UK government buildings, describing flags as 'a very British way of expressing joy and pride'.
