Reform UK council removes St George and Union flags due to safety concerns

Durham County Council released a statement on X announcing that while it respects the community's desire to express their national pride, it also needs to prioritise public safety.

Communities across the county have been raising both flags as part of Operation Raise the Colours, a campaign aiming to promote patriotism that involves tying flags to lamp posts and spray painting the St George's Cross on buildings and roundabouts.

Other councils have been removing the flags when safety concerns are expressed, this is something that has been criticised by supporters of the operation.

The Reform leader of Durham County Council tweeted just days ago that the council would not enforce the removal of 'secure' flags.

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The council said: "While we understand and respect the community’s desire to express national pride, celebration, or remembrance, it is important to ensure such expressions do not compromise public safety.

"Yesterday [Thursday] we were left with no choice but to remove bunting across a road at New Brancepeth, following a risk assessment. The rope involved was so strong that, had a high-sided vehicle driven into it, the poles it was attached to could have been pulled down.

"Our approach reflects our commitment to balancing community expression with public safety, practical resource management, and proportionality in our operations."

Deputy leader of the council and former GB News presenter Darren Grimes has shown his support for Operation Raise the Colours - tweeting often about how he enjoys seeing the flags.

One X post from August 23 shows a photo of two mini roundabouts: one painted with the St George's Cross and the other painted with the LGBTQ+ pride flag.

He wrote: "Funny how the flag of England is a hazard… but a dizzying vomit of rainbow across a zebra crossing is “progress.” Almost like it’s about politics, not safety."

Durham Council's statement goes on to say that it is aware that some flags have been taken down by third parties, but it will only remove flags and decorations where they "pose a danger to highway users; obstruct visibility for drivers or pedestrians; or are poorly secured or loose, increasing the risk of falling."

It also highlighted safety concerns over people resting ladders against lamp posts to hang the flags as it can impose additional loads on the structure.

"The weight of a person climbing or working on a column can lead to structural failure, endangering both the installer and the public."