An MP has called on Leicestershire County Council to remove flags from lampposts, stating that their “continued presence raises a safety concern.”

On Friday, Labour member for Loughborough Jeevun Sandher wrote to the Reform UK-controlled body, claiming that the flags were “tatty” and “risk detaching and falling into the road”.

Mr Sandher also stated that many of his constituents found the flags hanging on lampposts “unwelcoming” and made them feel “uncomfortable in their own community”.

In September, the authority stated that it would only remove flags if they posed a danger to the public, but that people should not paint on highways.

The flag movement has gained traction on social media in recent months, going by the name Operation Raise the Colours.

Those behind it claimed to be driven by pride and patriotism, while others have raised concern due to high tensions in England over immigration and the St George cross frequently being used to support far-right groups.

Flags causing ‘unease’

“Displays of national pride have their rightful place, but lamp-posts are not it,” says Sandher. “Putting up flags at night and tying them to every lamppost does not feel like a celebration of community spirit.

“To many, they feel like a statement about who belongs and who doesn’t. The fact that our fellow Britons are concerned should make us all pause and ponder.”

Earlier this month, council leader Dan Harrison told the BBC that he was “pleased” to see flags flying while driving through the county. “I’m a patriot, that’s why the flag flies from the county hall every day,” he exclaimed.

“We can’t fly flags over highways and block signs. If it’s up there, independent, and not hurting the pole, it’s alright.” “If flying your national flag causes division, we’ve got serious problems.

This is Great Britain, and we are all proud of where we come from.” Leicestershire County Council has been contacted for comment.

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