Worcester police arrest one after hundreds join asylum hotel demo
After both union jack and St George's flags appeared on lampposts and roundabouts in the city in recent weeks, both Labour and Conservative politicians spoke out in support of expressions of patriotism, but called for people to follow the rules.
Mayor of Worcester and Labour councillor Matt Lamb joined the counter-protesters to show his "unity and solidarity for the people in the Fownes Hotel".He said the right to protest peacefully was part of the freedoms people enjoy in Britain, adding: "If people want to protest outside the Fownes Hotel, as long as they do it peacefully, without intimidating people, that's fine."After flags appeared around the city, Lamb said the two issues were separate.He said he had flown union jack flags at his own property for the Lionesses' victory in the UEFA Women's Euros and he had no problem with the union jack or St George's flag, adding: "At the end of the day, I'm a patriot, I love my country."But he said the rules were clear that flags should not be flown from lampposts.
Bromsgrove's Conservative MP Bradley Thomas called for the St George's flag to be flown more to stop it being claimed by "extremists".Thomas said people should take pride in the English flag and show it in their cars, homes and gardens, adding: "The very fact that if we're not collectively standing by the flag and don't fly it with pride, enables it to be adopted by those who've got extreme views."He advised people against painting the flag on roundabouts or flying it from lampposts and said: "We've got to respect property rights."Reform UK-led Worcestershire County Council said there were no plans to remove flags on lampposts, but police are treating the painting of roundabouts as "criminal damage".
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