North East councils issue statements as England and union flags raised across the region.

North East councils express their views on ‘Operation Raise the Colours’.

Union and St George’s flags are still being hung from lampposts and bridges across the region as part of ‘Operation Raise The Colours,’ a movement that many people consider to be a display of patriotism.

Since its inception in Birmingham few weeks ago, hundreds of flags have been raised throughout the country, including in the North East.

Red crosses have been painted on roundabouts and zebra crossings. In Meadow Well, North Shields, walls and bollards have been painted red and white as part of a large exhibition of St George crosses.

It’s a movement that has the support of Stephen Yaxley Lennon, formerly known as Tommy Robinson, who hosted a massive ‘Unite the Kingdom’ gathering in London last weekend. However, it has also sparked disagreement.

While some have dubbed ‘Operation Raise The Colours’ as a statement of pride, others have seen it as an attempt to cause divisiveness.

Coun Christine Taylor, a veteran, said she was delighted to fly the flag in Bedlington town centre, but thought that having a flag on practically every lamppost in the town was “causing a divide among my residents”. But what have the North East councils said about the flags raised in their boroughs?

Newcastle City Council

A Newcastle City Council representative stated: “Newcastle City Council is pleased to fly the Union Jack at our Civic Centre, and these flags are exhibited on numerous buildings throughout the city, including the VJ Day 80 commemorations in the city centre.

“If a flag or other artwork emerges on a municipal asset without permission, such as a lamppost, pedestrian crossing, or roadway, we will remove it if it poses a safety risk, causes property damage, or is not properly maintained.

“We recognise the pride and passion of communities that wish to display a diverse range of flags and artwork in appropriate locations, such as private property.”

This method is consistent with any decoration or artwork placed on a council asset and ensures Newcastle’s cleanliness and safety.”

Northumberland County Council

A Northumberland County Council representative stated, “Northumberland County Council is proud to fly the Union Flag and County Flag at our offices, and these flags are also exhibited on other buildings throughout the county.

“If any flag or other artwork appears on a council asset without permission – such as on a lamppost, pedestrian crossing or highway – we will remove it where it presents a safety risk, causes damage to property, or is not being maintained.”

North Tyneside Council

A North Tyneside Council representative stated, “North Tyneside Council is proud to fly the Union Jack and St George’s Cross at our Killingworth and Quadrant offices, and these flags are also displayed on other buildings throughout the borough.” We recognise the pride and enthusiasm of communities that seek to exhibit a diverse range of flags and artwork in acceptable locations, such as private property.

We have a responsibility to keep our Borough safe and clean, therefore we will only remove a flag if it poses a risk to highway users, damages council property, which could result in additional expenses, or seems untidy or unmaintained.

This is the same method we take with anything added to council-owned assets after it has been reported to us by people and does not have the necessary authorisation.

We use no more resources by adhering to these established processes. “As the Planning Authority we act in line with national regulations which deems anything containing wording, letters, images or slogans to be an advertisement that requires consent.”

The declaration comes after Coun Liam Bones, the local Conservative opposition leader, said he was “very disappointed” to receive an email suggesting that the local authority will remove flags or artwork placed without permission on “council-owned assets”.

Gateshead Council

Gateshead Council Leader, Councillor Martin Gannon, stated: “We will remove flags from lampposts as soon as they become an obstacle or are unsafe.

If there are any more that aren’t causing an immediate problem, we’ll take them down when they get tatty, because a ragged flag hanging from a lamppost shows no respect for our flag or our country. “Our flag represents what makes England wonderful.

We are most effective when we work together as a united, inclusive, and varied nation. As the Prime Minister stated over the weekend, we will never give in to those who seek to exploit it as a symbol of violence, terror, and division.

“There is nothing patriotic about using our national flag to convey messages of intimidation, prejudice, and hatred. “Any offensive graffiti will be removed immediately, and vandalism will not be tolerated.”

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