Overview

• Derby City Council began taking down flags from September 29, citing highways safety and preparing infrastructure for seasonal and commemorative events, with removed items stored at the Council House for collection.
• Derbyshire Police opened an inquiry into a reported rape threat against Councillor Sarah Chambers linked to the removal plans and said investigations into the public order incident are ongoing.
• Organisers say they will keep reinstalling flags, with the self‑styled ‘Flag Men of Derby’ claiming about 300 installations in Allenton and vowing to report council removals as theft and to protest on October 6.
• Flag activity linked to Operation Raise the Colours continues elsewhere, including a large Union flag draped on the Brownhills Miner statue, as Walsall Council pursues a measured, safety‑led approach.
• Hertfordshire resumed removing lamppost flags in the Watford area after a pause prompted by abuse toward crews, noting more than 600 public requests for clearances.