The flags were removed by Portsmouth City Council workers on Tuesday, the day before the Three Lions take on the current world champions
37212132Residents have been left seething after council workers were spotted stripping England flags from balconies ahead of the England semi-final versus Argentina. The flags were taken down by Portsmouth City Council staff on Tuesday, July 14, the day before the Three Lions face off against the reigning world champions in a historic clash.
The homeowner has reported the pair to police for theft of his flag, which the council branded a “fire hazard”.Doorbell footage shared online shows two workers in shorts and high-vis rucksacks turning up at the estate behind King’s Street in Portsmouth before removing the flag.
One tells the other: “Yeah, it’s cable tied”. The second man then slices through the plastic ties with a knife before bundling up the flag and strolling off.
Politicians have been stunned by the flag’s removal. Reform UK Councillor George Madgwick told Metro: “I’m unaware if they gave a warning, however their standard practice is to send a letter with notice. Normally only a failure to comply results in removal and a fee for return”.
The local residents believe it is theft and have reported it to the police. It was put up for the World Cup just a few weeks ago.” He added: “The flag was attached to a steel bar hung over a concrete block. There is no real fire risk. The council need to have pride in our nation and its hopes for the World Cup and should have used their discretion to remove it after.
“The leader should support the England team and the excitement shared by local residents by instructing officers to be sensible and use their discretion to delay the removal of flags until the conclusion of the tournament. National pride is vital and positivity is needed right now and the removal of national flags sends the wrong negative message.”
Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman revealed she has written to the council leader urging him to investigate this and to halt the taking down of the England flag. The letter reads: “Rightly people are excited ahead of tomorrow’s historic Semi Final between England and Argentina.
“Flying the English flag to support the national side is a symbol of pride that everyone, no matter their political persuasion should be getting behind. No other country in the world would be taking down its own national flag.”
Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, said: “We understand residents want to show their support for England, and we’re pleased to see the community getting behind the team. However, our fire safety policy, reinforced by Hampshire Fire & Rescue and the Fire Safety Act, requires communal balconies to be kept clear of anything that could catch fire, spread fire, or block safe access. This applies to all items placed on balconies, including flags and banners.
“We have consulted with Hampshire Fire & Rescue, and they agree with our approach to keeping communal balconies clear in the interests of fire safety. Residents are welcome to display flags inside their homes, such as in a window, where they can still show their support while helping to keep everyone safe.”
This isn’t the only location across the UK where flags have been removed. On Northwich street in Cheshire, locals were commanded to remove their flags by Cheshire West Council mere days before the semi-final showdown.
In a statement the council recognised that England flags symbolise “an important symbol of national identity, unity, and respect” but insisted that the illegal attachment of flags to streetlights and road signs remains “unacceptable” and poses a “risk to public safety”.
Strict regulations govern flag displays and breaking these rules could see Brits slapped with fines of up to £2,500.
Showing the England flag in support of the national side has emerged as a contentious matter this World Cup, with many believing its links to far-right organisations have sullied its significance.
Nevertheless, others remain determined to fly the white and red banner with pride as England continues to make history before Wednesday’s Atlanta clash, emphasising it isn’t a political emblem.