MP calls for more flagpoles to show 'national pride'

An increased number of flags have been attached to lamp-posts this summer

An MP has called for more flagpoles to be installed across Leicestershire "to celebrate national pride".

Neil O'Brien, MP for Harborough, Oadby and Wigston, made the suggestion after nationwide campaigns led to a rise in St George and union flags being flown.

Those behind Operation Raise the Colours, one of the campaigns, said they were motivated by pride and patriotism, while others have expressed discomfort due to the St George cross often being used to promote far-right groups.

The Conservative MP said installing more permanent flagpoles would mean the flags could be flown in a "dignified and visible way".

O'Brien said he had written to all Leicestershire councils "encouraging them to identify prominent sites for flagpoles" so the flags could be flown.

"Over the summer it's been great to see people putting up flags around the community, but what we really need are proper, permanent flagpoles," he said.

"There are some excellent sites - for example, as you drive into Market Harborough from the north or south, or as you come up into Oadby and Wigston.

"With permanent flagpoles, these could be striking gateways to our towns and villages."

Samia Haq, the Liberal Democrat leader of Oadby and Wigston Borough Council, has also publicly spoken in favour of flying the flag.

She said: "Oadby and Wigston is one of the most multicultural boroughs in Leicestershire, and for us the flag is a symbol of unity and respect.

"It does not belong to an individual, it does not belong to a section of the community, or any political party - it is a flag for all of us and we should all be flying the flag with pride."

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the council said it had not yet received O'Brien's letter about the flagpoles, but that it already had permanent flagpoles situated in parks which the council was responsible for in South Wigston, Wigston and Oadby.

Flags on highways infrastructure such as lamp-posts and roundabouts fall under the remit of Leicestershire County Council.

A county council spokesperson said last month: "While it's actually an offence to attach anything to a street light without permission, highways teams will only step in if flags attached to lamp-posts, or other street furniture, pose a serious safety risk."