Brits ‘might be jailed’ for placing up England flags in public below new transfer
People reportedly could face fines and even jail for tying flags to public property as a city council is looking at measures to stop people from putting up St George’s Cross
Thousands of flags were tied to public property after a bizarre trend was sparked last summer (Image: William Lailey / SWNS)
People are reportedly facing the threat of jail if they put up flags such as the St George’s Cross on public property.
Bristol City Council is one of several local authorities considering a High Court injunction to bar people from raising flags on lamp-posts and railing across the community. Thousands of Union Jack flags were strung from public property over the summer last year. Groups across the country claimed their efforts were to show off their patriotic pride for England.
Since the campaign numerous councils have tried to crack down against the practice, claiming they have spent thousands to remove the flags. Birmingham City Council recently applied for an injunction to tackle unauthorised flag attachments.
Flag loving Brits could face consequences for tying the flag to lamp-posts (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
The injunction by Bristol could cost £2.6million, GB News reports. If the injunction is approved anyone who breaches it could face prison time, a hefty fine or even have their assets pinched.
The local authority is now reportedly looking into other measures, saying it has already spent £50,000 pulling flags down from public property across the city.
Heather Mack, deputy leader of Bristol City Council, said the flags were “creating potential health and safety concerns” and are “not an appropriate use of public property”.
The injunction could cost a staggering £2.6million(Image: William Lailey / SWNS)
She added: “People who wish to display flags are encouraged to do so on their own property, including their homes and businesses, where they can express their views and identities in a lawful and respectful way.”
“We are prioritising locations where there are safety concerns or where structures may be damaged, and we will continue to take action where items have been attached to public property.”
She added: “We are also exploring further options around enforcement and reviewing the approaches being taken by other local authorities. As part of this work, we are monitoring the effectiveness of measures being used elsewhere to help inform our own long-term approach.”
Other councils have previously shared their thoughts on the flags being tied around their area. South Gloucestershire Council said it was taking a stronger position on removing unauthorised flags in the local area.
In a joint statement Lib Dem councillor Maggie Tyrrell and Labour councillor Ian Boulton claimed the flags were “not representative of the values we share.”
They said: “We recognise that national flags can bring vibrancy, pride and a sense of unity to our communities – especially during major events and periods of national celebration.”
