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2h ago

England Flag Dispute Widens as Councils Split on Removals and Police Probe Painted Roundabouts

Safety and planning rules are driving removals alongside police investigations into painted roundabouts.

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BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - AUGUST 18: A Union Flag and George Cross Flag fly above a residential street on August 18, 2025 in Birmingham, England. Birmingham City Council has removed Union and England flags installed by local groups, who say they are hanging them across the Weoley Castle and Northfield areas as an "act of patriotism." The Labour-run council has said the move is part of planned maintenance works to install energy-efficient LED lighting, but residents in favor of the British flags allege the council has applied a double standard by not removing Palestinian flags hung in other areas of the city. The flags of Britain have taken on a complexity of meaning over the centuries as symbols of national unity, empire, and protest, steeped in a rich history of both pageantry and controversy. (Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images)

Overview

  • An online campaign known as Operation Raise the Colours has seen St George’s and Union flags fixed to lampposts across England, with fresh displays reported in Wythall, Worcestershire.
  • Birmingham City Council says roughly 200 unauthorised flags and banners have been taken down this year due to street‑lighting upgrades and routine safety policy, and it has warned that painting road islands is unlawful and dangerous.
  • Trafford Council in Greater Manchester says St George’s crosses painted on three roundabouts are illegal and will be removed, citing the requirement for white, skid‑resistant markings.
  • West Mercia Police and other forces say the roundabout painting amounts to criminal damage and have launched enquiries, including in Bromsgrove following footage shared online.
  • Political responses diverge: Reform‑run councils such as Worcestershire and Sandwell report no plans to remove lamppost flags unless they obstruct infrastructure, while Downing Street backs lawful flag‑flying by residents.