Mr Macleod originally requested a FOI six months ago, which disclosed the value of £7,000.

Over the summer, St George and Union Jack flags appeared around the country as part of a countrywide ‘Operation Raise the Colours’ initiative.

Critics argue that, while the campaign claims to be a celebration of English and British pride, it is really an anti-immigrant demonstration with links to the far right.

Johnny Denis, a Green Party East Sussex County Councillor for Ringmer and Lewes Bridge, remarked, “I’m glad to see that these flags in Lewes were taken down so quickly.” Many individuals reported these, and I thank East Sussex County Council for removing them.

“I have also been contacted by very many residents to share their dismay at this co-option of public space to sow division.”

Wendy Maples, an ESCC Green Party councillor for Lewes, stated, “I was also saddened by the timing of the flags going up in Lewes: on Thursday, as you may be aware, we said goodbye to Maureen Messer, former mayor of Lewes – the only woman to have served two terms – who cared about this town, particularly Malling, and for whom the town council was flying our town flag at half-mast. Out of respect for Maureen and her family, I would have preferred that to be the sole flag of significance on the day.”

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