Workers 'intimidated' for removing flags, MP says

More St George's flags have been put up around York in recent weeks

Workers who have been hired by a council to take down flags are being intimidated by activists, an MP has claimed.

A number of union jack, St George's and Yorkshire flags have been put up across York in recent weeks, with some saying they showed national pride while others say they create division.

City of York Council initially said it would not take flags down when they first appeared but later said it would remove them over safety concerns.

Rachael Maskell MP, who represents York Central as an Independent, said workers employed to remove them had been assaulted and a death threat had been placed on the city walls.

Maskell, who had the Labour whip taken off her for objections to the government's welfare reforms, told the House of Commons: "In my kind and inclusive city of York, those putting up flags and supporting them have been emboldened to perpetrate racism, intimidate communities, have beaten people up, and hung a death threat on our city wall.

"What further support can government give my local authority to get those flags down, because even contractors are being intimidated."

Communities minister Miatta Fahnbulleh said: "The flag is something that we have to reclaim, and reclaim it proudly.

"We know that in some communities, they are being used to intimidate and divide.

"We are working with local authorities across the country to make sure that they have the support they need to make those judgement calls.

"I come back to the fact that the flag is ours, and we need to reclaim it, and we need to stand up against those who want to divide our communities across the country."

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