Labour-run Brighton and Hove Council joins a wave of local authorities in removing St George’s Cross flags, prompting protests, political backlash, and debates over national symbols and community cohesion.
Labour-run Brighton and Hove Council has joined a growing list of local authorities removing St George’s Cross flags from public streets, sparking tension and debate across parts of England. The flags, erected as part of an online campaign called Operation Raise the Colours, have been systematically taken down by several councils, including those in Tower Hamlets, east London, and Birmingham. Brighton and Hove city council confirmed that flags displayed along the town’s seafront were being removed in accordance with the 1980 Highways Act, which governs the use of roadside fixtures. However, the removal has encountered significant resistance. Contractors tasked with taking down the flags have suffered verbal abuse, leading to a temporary halt in their work until police can be present to ensure their safety. Sussex Police have indicated they will be unable to provide this support until the following week, prompting the council to pause further flag removals in certain areas.
The flags’ presence and subsequent removal have prompted polarized responses within the communities involved. Bridget Fishleigh, an independent councillor for Rottingdean and West Saltdean, highlighted the ongoing challenges, explaining that although removal efforts were making steady progress, new flags kept appearing. The situation mirrors experiences in Tower Hamlets, where St George’s flags raised in public spaces—some in direct contrast to the Palestinian flags flown there previously—have been removed by the council, which is run by the pro-Palestinian Aspire party. Tower Hamlets Council has stressed their responsibility to monitor and maintain council infrastructure, clarifying that flags placed without permission may be removed as part of routine maintenance. The council also issued warnings against residents risking injury by climbing lamp posts or other installations to hang flags, following incidents of verbal abuse against removal staff.
The controversy surrounding the flags reflects broader cultural and political tensions. Zoe Nicholson, Green Party leader of the nearby Lewes district council, described how the St George’s Cross has been “hijacked” by extremists, detracting from its historical associations with unity and national pride. She expressed hope that the flag’s “true meaning” could be reclaimed from those promoting divisive ideologies. Meanwhile, Conservative voices have criticised the flag removals as selective and politically motivated. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch condemned the actions as “shameful,” arguing that English flags should be “welcomed” as symbols of unity and optimism rather than treated as rebellious acts. Writing in the Daily Mail, Badenoch highlighted what she described as inconsistent enforcement of local regulations, noting in particular councils’ reluctance to remove Palestinian flags, which she sees as evidence of a sectarian agenda. She warned that suppressing the English flag instead of embracing national identity risks fuelling division rather than fostering community solidarity.
Political responses have extended beyond criticism to organised efforts to maintain the flags’ visibility. Reform UK has launched a ‘patriotic flag pact’ in partnership with 12 councils who have vowed not to remove St George’s Cross and Union Jack flags from lampposts. The party’s leader, Nigel Farage, labelled the removals “shameful” and underscored the importance of celebrating national symbols. This pledge is a direct response to council actions in Tower Hamlets, Birmingham, and elsewhere, which cited safety concerns and by-law enforcement as justification for flag removal.
This ongoing flag dispute embodies a wider cultural conversation about national identity, community cohesion, and political expression. Local authorities stress their legal responsibilities in maintaining public infrastructure and enforcing relevant regulations, while campaigners and many residents see the flags as powerful emblems of national pride that should be embraced rather than removed. As tensions persist, the issue remains a flashpoint in debates over how England’s symbols are understood and represented in a diverse society.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative appears to be recent, with no evidence of prior publication. The Express article is dated August 23, 2025, and references events occurring in mid-August 2025. The term ‘Operation Raise the Colours’ is used in the report, which began in mid-August 2025. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Raise_the_Colours?utm_source=openai)) No earlier versions with differing figures, dates, or quotes were found. The report includes updated data and new material, suggesting a high freshness score. However, the Express is known for sensationalist reporting, which may affect the reliability of the information. Additionally, the Express has previously published articles on related topics, such as the St George’s Cross being considered ‘racist and divisive’ by some Labour voters. ([express.co.uk](https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/1890836/labour-voters-st-georges-cross-racist-poll?utm_source=openai))
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
The report includes direct quotes from individuals such as Bridget Fishleigh, Zoe Nicholson, and Kemi Badenoch. No identical quotes were found in earlier material, indicating potential originality. However, without access to the full Express article, it’s challenging to verify the exact wording and context of these quotes.
Source reliability
Score:
5
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Express, a reputable UK newspaper. However, the Express is known for sensationalist reporting, which may affect the reliability of the information. The report includes references to official statements from Brighton and Hove City Council and Sussex Police, which adds credibility. However, without access to the full Express article, it’s challenging to verify the exact wording and context of these statements.
Plausability check
Score:
7
Notes:
The report describes events that align with known political tensions in the UK regarding the display of national symbols. The involvement of local councils and political figures adds plausibility. However, the Express is known for sensationalist reporting, which may affect the plausibility of the information. Additionally, without access to the full Express article, it’s challenging to verify the exact details and context of the events described.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative presents recent events involving the removal of St George’s Cross flags by Brighton and Hove Council, with references to official statements and political figures. However, the Express is known for sensationalist reporting, which may affect the reliability and plausibility of the information. Without access to the full article, it’s challenging to verify the exact details and context of the events described. Therefore, further verification from additional reputable sources is recommended.
