MP calls for flags to be removed over safety risk

MP Jeevun Sandher said flags are becoming "tatty" and "risk detaching and falling into the road"

An MP has urged Leicestershire County Council to remove flags from lamp-posts, warning that their "continued presence raises a safety concern."

Jeevun Sandher, the Labour member for Loughborough, wrote to the Reform UK-controlled authority on Friday saying the flags were becoming "tatty" and "risk detaching and falling into the road".

Mr Sandher also wrote that many of his constituents found the flags flying on lamp-posts "unwelcoming" and it made them "uncomfortable in their own community".

In September, the authority said it would only remove flags if they posed a danger to the public but asked people not to paint on roads.

The flag movement has gathered pace on social media over the past few months, under the name Operation Raise the Colours.

Those behind it said they were motivated by pride and patriotism but others have expressed discomfort due to tensions running high across England over immigration and the St George cross often being used to promote far-right groups.

Jeevun Sandher is married to another Labour MP Louise Jones

In a statement on 3 September, the council said: "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.

"But people are being asked not to paint or graffiti mini-roundabouts and crossings, which is illegal."

In his letter, the MP said allowing the flags to remain on lamp-posts "undermines that legal framework and sets a precedent that unlawful actions are tolerated".

Flags causing 'unease'

"Displays of national pride have their rightful place, but lamp-posts are not it," wrote Mr Sandher.

"Flags put up in the dead of night, tied to every lamp-post, do not feel like a celebration of community spirit.

"For many they feel [like] a statement about who belongs and who does not. The fact our fellow Brits feel unease should make us all pause and reflect."

Earlier this month, council leader Dan Harrison told the BBC he was "pleased" to see flags flying while he drives through the county.

"I'm a patriot, that's why the flag flies from the county hall every day," he said.

"If flags are flying over motorways, blocking signs, we can't do that. If it's up there, independent, not damaging the pole, that's fine."

"If flying your national flag creates division, we have got real problems. This is Great Britain and we are all proud of where we are from."

Leicestershire County Council has been approached for comment.