A row has broken out between local
councils and campaigners after England
and Union flags were removed from
lampposts across the country. Flags have
been taken down in tower hamlets in East
London as well as in Birmingham. St.
George's cross flags were pictured on an
a-ro on the aisle of dogs after
campaigners attached them following an
online movement called Operation Raise
the Colors. The local councils have
since removed the flags, citing routine
maintenance as the reason. Tower
Hamlet's Council said it has a policy
setting out which flags are flown from
council buildings and on which
occasions. It went on to say, "While we
recognize people wish to express their
views, we have a responsibility to
monitor and maintain council
infrastructure where flags are attached
to councilowned infrastructure without
permission. They may be removed as part
of routine maintenance." Similarly,
Birmingham City Council said it
recognizes the importance of the Union
flag and flag of St. George as symbols
of national pride, but that they had to
be removed in line with its health and
safety obligations. Karma's official
spokesperson responded to the removal of
the flags, saying that patriotism is a
very important thing and that the prime
minister is absolutely supportive of
people putting up English flags.
However, some people have argued that
the erecting of these flags is pointed
and a politically charged move. The row
is unlikely to end soon as campaigners
or self-proclaimed patriots are
continuing to put up flags across the UK
to protest their removal.