Local councils, specifically Birmingham City Council and Tower Hamlets Council, have removed St George's flags that residents put up on lamp posts and buildings. This action relates to an online movement, Operation Raise the Colours, linked to far-right figures. Both councils stated that they maintain a policy regarding flag display on council property and that any unauthorized flags may be removed for routine maintenance. The councils acknowledged public desire for expression but emphasized the need to monitor council infrastructure.
A second council has taken down St George's flags from lamposts and council buildings hung by locals. Residents in Weoley Castle, Birmingham, and Tower Hamlets, in east London, have been hanging the flags in recent weeks.
The flags are believed to be going up as part of Operation Raise the Colours, an online movement backed by far-right figures including Stephen Yaxley Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson.
A council spokesperson said it was aware members of the public had been putting up St George flags on various structures, but said the council has a policy setting out which flags are flown from council buildings and on which occasions.
While we recognise people wish to express their views, we have a responsibility to monitor and maintain council infrastructure. Where flags are attached to council-owned infrastructure without permission, they may be removed as part of routine maintenance.
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