A row has erupted after Reform UK pledged to ban native authorities from flying any flags except for the Union Jack or the St George’s Cross in councils they management.
In final week’s native elections, Reform UK gained management of 10 councils, two mayoralties and won more than 500 council seats.
And after saying final week they wish to finish all variety and equality rent roles, one other coverage was introduced this morning by occasion chairman Zia Yusuf.
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He mentioned on social media that Reform-controlled councils will transfer “at velocity” to make sure the one flag that shall be flown on public authority buildings “would be the Union Jack and the St George’s flag”.
He added: “No different flags shall be permitted to be flown on flag-poles, balconies, reception desks or council-chamber partitions.”
The announcement rapidly drew criticism from throughout the political divide – together with from Labour, Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives.
Labour MPs, together with Dover and Deal’s Mike Tapp, mentioned this may cease councils flying the Ukrainian flag.
Mr Tapp mentioned: “Reform are to ban the flying of Ukrainian flags from public buildings. A gesture of solidarity we see throughout the entire nation.”
He then branded the occasion: “Putin’s puppets.”
That is an assault line usually utilized by the prime minister in Prime Minister’s Questions, with Sir Keir Starmer accusing Nigel Farage of “fawning” over the Russian chief.
Throughout final 12 months’s election marketing campaign, the Reform chief reiterated his perception that the West and NATO had “provoked” Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – although mentioned it was “in fact” Vladimir Putin’s “fault”.
In 2014, he mentioned Mr Putin was the statesman he most admired.
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Richard Tice, Reform’s deputy chief, proceeded to mock Mr Tapp on social media, replying with a sequence of water drop emojis and saying “drip, drip, drip” – including: “Oh, it is the Tapp once more”.
Nonetheless, the loudest criticism got here from the Conservative ranks. Councillors and MPs attacked Reform’s coverage for doubtlessly stopping regional flags like that of Kent or Yorkshire from being flown.
A Reform spokesperson mentioned: “Reform UK will proudly fly the Union Jack, St George’s Flag and County flags. In contrast to the Tories and Labour, we’re pleased with our nation and historical past.”
It’s understood that flags with “nationwide heritage” can even be allowed.
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Amongst these criticising Reform was former Tory management hopeful Tom Tugendhat, whose constituency is in Kent.
He mentioned: “The White Horse has been the image of Kent for nearly two thousand years.
“The primary king of Kent, Hengest, is alleged to have used the flag as he and his brother, Horsa, conquered their new kingdom.
“Denying our flag is denying our historical past.”
Dr Luke Evans, the Conservative MP for Hinckley and Bosworth, requested on social media if Reform would enable the Leicestershire county flag to fly.
Related feedback had been made by Tory councillors on social media, in addition to some Liberal Democrats.
The disagreement comes after the Conservatives and Labour each suffered closely by the hands of Reform in final week’s native elections, in addition to the Runcorn and Helsby by-election.
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In addition to flags belonging to different nations, the measure can even forestall councils managed by Reform from flying flags related to actions, causes or the rest – for instance the Delight flag.
A Reform supply mentioned: “The Tories appear extra upset about Reform councils flying the union flag than their councils flying the trans flag. It sums up the state of the Tory occasion, the earlier they’re consigned to the dustbin of historical past, the higher.”
