Overview

• In Manchester’s Higher Blackley, dozens of Union Jacks and St George’s crosses were fixed to almost every lamppost within days, showing the movement’s rapid, street‑level spread.
• Councils including Halton, Durham and Manchester say lawful private displays will remain, but unauthorised items on highways will be removed where they present safety or legal issues under a risk‑based approach.
• Police and councils are investigating unlawful painting on public assets, from St George’s crosses on Taplow mini‑roundabouts to the defaced Portsmouth Guildhall, with clean‑ups and repairs required.
• Durham Police are handling criminal damage reports case by case, including vehicles graffitied in Darlington, while Cumbria Police rebutted viral claims officers were taking down flags and said they were installing CCTV.
• The push remains contested, with HOPE not hate flagging links between some organisers and far‑right figures as local politicians issue sharply different messages on patriotism, safety and intent.