Overview

• Birmingham, Tower Hamlets and other authorities have taken down flags fixed to street furniture under highway and planning powers, with Brighton and Hove pausing work after contractors faced verbal abuse.
• Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called the removals “shameful” and accused councils of selective enforcement, contrasting their approach to Palestinian flags.
• Downing Street reiterated support for people flying English flags, describing the Prime Minister’s pride in British identity without commenting on individual local cases.
• Local leaders offered differing responses, with Dorset and Lewes warning the campaign has been co‑opted by extremists, while York’s leader pledged talks with organisers and said non‑dangerous flags will stay up during the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
• Flag retailers reported a sharp rise in orders for St George’s and Union flags, as government guidance encourages national flag‑flying but requires site owner permission and safe installation under the Highways Act.