Reform clarify flag ban plans after county outcry
Party chair Zia Yusuf announced that Reform-controlled councils in England would 'move at speed to resolve that the *only* flags permitted to be flown on or in its buildings will be the Union Jack and the St George's flag'.
Yusuf added: 'No other flags will be permitted to be flown on its flag-poles, balconies, reception desks or council-chamber walls.'
Supporters expressed concerns that English counties would not be able to fly their own flags, which are often a source of local pride.
The party took control of 10 local authorities in England at last week's local elections, including Durham, Lancashire and Staffordshire.
The party has now clarified its stance, with a spokesperson saying: 'Reform UK will proudly fly the Union Jack, St George's flag and county flags.
'Unlike the Tories and Labour, we are proud of our country and history.'
Chris Webb, Labour MP for Blackpool South, said Reform was off to 'a great start' by 'banning' the Lancashire rose from flying.
(Image: terimakasih0, Pixabay)
Conservative MP for Hinckley and Bosworth Dr Luke Evans asked whether it meant 'Leicestershire County Council would not be able to fly the Leicestershire county flag'.
The Tories lost control of Leicestershire County Council last week, with Reform now the largest party but falling short of an overall majority.
READ MORE: 'Little prospect' of Scots electing a Unionist first minister, John Curtice says
It has also led to accusations the party is banning the Ukrainian flag from flying on public buildings, a practice that became common following the Russian invasion.
Labour's Mike Tapp said: 'As VE Day reminds us, Britain has a proud history of working with allies to defeat dictators and tyrants.
'It tells you all you need to know about Nigel Farage's Reform that their very first act after winning elections is to ban the Ukrainian flag from our town halls, in this of all weeks.'
The party has laid out a number of proposals for councils it now runs since results were declared on Friday.
Reform leader Nigel Farage has vowed to 'resist' asylum seekers being housed in the county council areas now under Reform control.
Asked how this will be possible because contracts are drawn up between the Home Office and accommodation providers, Yusuf told the BBC the party will use 'every instrument of power available'.
'Judicial reviews, injunctions, there's planning laws,' he told the Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme.
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