Starmer supports flag displays as Tower Hamlets workers face abuse removing patriotic symbols from lamp posts
London – Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has expressed support for the public’s right to fly St George’s flags following heated confrontations between residents and council workers attempting to remove patriotic displays from street lamp posts.
The backing came as Tower Hamlets council workers in east London encountered verbal abuse Monday while using long-handled shears to cut down England and Union Jack flags that had been hung by local campaigners. Video footage showed the removed flags being dumped into refuse trucks.
Second Council Sparks Controversy
The Tower Hamlets incident follows similar controversy in Birmingham, where the city council announced last week it would remove hundreds of flags from streets citing “safety reasons.” The decision triggered a public backlash and accusations of double standards.
Critics have highlighted that Palestine flags were permitted to remain displayed in both areas – which have substantial Muslim populations – for months without official intervention, while English flags faced immediate removal.
‘Operation Raise the Colours’ Spreads
The flag disputes have sparked a grassroots movement called “Operation Raise the Colours,” with communities across England hanging national flags in Bradford, Newcastle, Norwich and other cities in solidarity.
Downing Street responded to the growing controversy Sunday, with Sir Keir’s official spokesman confirming the Prime Minister’s support for flag displays.
“The PM has always talked about his pride in being British, his patriotism will always be an important thing to him,” the spokesman said. When asked directly about English flag displays, he replied: “Absolutely. We put up English flags all around Downing Street every time the English football team are out trying to win games for us.”
Political Background Adds Complexity
Tower Hamlets is led by Lutfur Rahman of the pro-Palestine Aspire Party, who previously allowed Palestine flags to remain on lamp posts and council buildings to avoid destabilizing “community cohesion.” Rahman, who has a past conviction for electoral fraud, only ordered their removal last year following complaints from Jewish residents about intimidation.
The contrast in treatment has intensified criticism of the council’s approach to flag displays.
Heated Street Confrontations
Monday’s flag removal operation drew immediate resistance from local residents. “This is a f***ing joke,” one driver shouted at council workers. “We’re going put them back up anyway.”
Tower Hamlets council defended the action in a statement: “While we recognise people wish to express their views, we have a responsibility to monitor and maintain council infrastructure.”
Political Response
The controversy has taken on partisan dimensions, with all 12 Reform UK-controlled councils announcing they would not remove St George’s or Union flags from lamp posts.
Reform leader Nigel Farage declared his party “will never shy away from celebrating our nation,” positioning the issue as a matter of patriotic principle.
Broader Implications
The disputes have highlighted tensions over public displays of national identity, official policies on flag displays, and questions about consistent application of council regulations across different community symbols.
The incidents reflect broader debates about patriotism, community relations, and local authority decision-making in areas with diverse populations, with the Prime Minister’s intervention suggesting the issue has reached national political significance.
