Surrey County Council has removed 1,003 flags attached to its infrastructure. The council requires approval for flags on lampposts, stating unauthorized ones can pose risks to drivers and pedestrians. Shropshire Council will remove all unauthorized flags from its street lighting columns and other highway assets, starting in Shrewsbury and expanding across the county.
The council emphasized the operation is due to safety concerns, not to quell patriotism. Shropshire Council recognizes the Union Jack as a national emblem and does not prohibit residents from expressing patriotism. However, putting up flags on public highways without permission could be considered a criminal offense, and the council will pursue those responsible for removal costs.
It is clear that Surrey County Council's current policy is not working. Instead, the continued presence of these flags, and failure to remove them from the public highway, implies consent and gives tacit legitimacy to their intimidating presence.
The council's last flag removal operation cost about £13,000. Community tensions have arisen, with Shropshire Council aware of reports of abuse directed at residents, councillors, and staff, and is working with West Mercia Police. Local residents in Shrewsbury have criticized the flags as intimidating and provocative, intended to cause division.
Andy Munro, mayor of Church Stretton, alleges that men erecting flags threatened several women who confronted them. Activists in Operation Raise the Colours say putting up flags is patriotic, while critics accuse them of sowing division amid tensions over immigration. Local flag activist John Cunningham rejects allegations of threatening behavior during flag installation.
We will be removing all unauthorised flags from our street lighting columns and other highway assets. This will be in Shrewsbury initially with plans to remove all unauthorised flags across the county in time. This includes flags that are damaged or unsafe, creating a hazard, obstructing signs, posing risks following severe weather, installed without permission, regardless of condition.
Green Party councillor Jonathan Essex claims the flags are intimidating and that Surrey County Council's policy is not working. Shropshire Council is setting up a funding bid to create a 'positive alternative', including a locally-designed flag involving young people. Raise the Flags Shrewsbury Plus has offered to take down the flags for free to save the council money.
The widespread flying of flags across the country started last year following an online movement called Operation Raise the Colours. Unanswered questions persist about the enforcement and evidence behind these actions, including the specifics of safety risks and the outcomes of police involvement. The council's approach highlights the balance between public safety and community expression.