Overview

• Politico reports the social‑media campaign has expanded nationwide, with Hope not Hate citing links to far‑right figures and Nigel Farage and Robert Jenrick publicly embracing the visibility of national flags.
• New polling by More in Common finds 58% want more flags in public spaces, while 42% view the displays as a statement against immigrants, highlighting a sharply divided public mood.
• Councils adopt contrasting approaches: Manchester says non‑hazardous flags will stay, Brighton is removing them under the Highways Act after contractor abuse required police support, and Telford & Wrekin is deprioritising removals unless safety is affected.
• Police and councils warn that painting crosses on mini‑roundabouts, zebra crossings and other road surfaces breaches highway rules and creates safety risks, with authorities in Oldham and Colchester vowing removals and investigations.
• Reports detail confrontations and harassment linked to installations, including a filmed dispute over bridge‑hung flags in Manchester and contractors facing abuse during takedown efforts.