National flags in Sudbury backed by Reform UK councillor.

A controversy over flags affixed to lampposts has erupted after Union Jacks and St George’s Crosses were discovered in towns across Suffolk.

In recent weeks, a Union Jack flag has been hoisted to a lamppost in Sudbury’s Springlands Way, as part of the national ‘Operation Raise the Colours’ effort to display more St George’s and Union Jack flags.

Various union jacks and St George’s crosses have also been fastened to lampposts on Normanston Drive and Peto Way in Lowestoft as part of a rising movement in Suffolk.

The flags were affixed to lampposts near the roundabout at Normanston Drive and Peto Way in Lowestoft. (Image:

Mick Howes) Suffolk County Council reports that a “small number of flags have been taken down” throughout the county, but they are unable to provide a precise figure.

They said, “Any unlicensed accessories that pose a safety or visibility risk will be removed. “We do not have specific figures for reports of flags attached to lampposts or flag symbols painted on roads in Suffolk.”

“If any attachments contain expletives or offensive material, these will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.”

Philip Faircloth-Mutton has defected from the Conservatives to join Reform UK.(Image: Reform UK)

However, Philip Faircloth-Mutton, a recently defected Reform councillor for Sudbury East and Waldingfield, claims he was “impressed by the great efforts of the people of Sudbury” in putting up the flags and “applauds their patriotism”.

“The Union Jack and St George’s cross is a source of pride that should not divide the public,” stated the MP.

“People should be able to proudly display the flags that represent their country. “As long as there are no visibility splays being covered or common sense safety issues, I see no problems.”

Andrew Stringer, opposition leader at Suffolk County Council.(Image: Jason Noble)

However, Andrew Stringer, the first elected Green Party district councillor in Suffolk, has questioned the purpose of these flags.

He stated: “There are certainly big tensions at the moment, and we need to figure out why people are suddenly patriotic now when they weren’t a few years ago.

“The problem is that it is on public infrastructure and serves to divide people. “If we’re going to fly flags to show who we are, perhaps we should put some Suffolk and pride flags up there.

“The Union Jack has only been involved in one event in the last month: a major march in London organised by the far right.

“While we don’t want to send workers around removing flags, if they are frayed and posing a safety danger, they must be taken down.

In mid-July, a grassroots effort called ‘Operation Raise the Colours’ began in Birmingham and East London. Since then, it has expanded across the UK, including Worcester, Bradford, Greater Manchester, Newcastle, and Norwich.