Overview

• Blackburn with Darwen Council said it will not routinely take down St George’s and Union flags from lampposts, prioritising only items that pose hazards and inviting owners to collect removed flags.
• Other authorities continue removals citing highway safety and legality, with Hertfordshire confirming unapproved items will be taken down and Wiltshire and Swindon warning that attaching flags to street furniture is unlawful.
• Police and councils are addressing incidents classed as vandalism, including red crosses on a Derbyshire war memorial, zebra crossings repainted in Nottinghamshire, and paint added to Nottingham’s Goose Fair mascot that was swiftly cleaned off.
• Organised efforts branded Operation Raise the Colours are credited by participants with patriotism and opposition to illegal immigration, while Hope not Hate highlights links to far‑right figures and Britain First claims to have supplied flags.
• National and local politicians back lawful flag‑flying but criticise misuse, with Keir Starmer warning against divisive displays, an Essex Council staff email prompting internal backlash, and an Oxfordshire MP decrying a political hijack of national symbols.