Overview

• Manchester City Council says England and Union flags attached in the city centre will stay in place if they pose no safety risk and caused no criminal damage, with councillor Pat Karney urging common sense.
• Oldham Council warns that painting flags on roads and roundabouts is illegal under Section 132 of the Highways Act 1980 and says altered road markings create hazards and must be removed.
• Trafford and Sale junctions were among sites where red crosses were painted to resemble St George’s flags, prompting safety and legality warnings from local authorities.
• Darlington officials condemn politically motivated graffiti and criminal damage, citing a car and buildings spray-painted with flags and a Union Jack on a mini-roundabout, and pledge action where public assets are affected.
• Campaigners describe the activity as pride and patriotism, while critics link it to the online ‘Operation Raise the Colours’ movement and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham urges displays on private property rather than public assets.