Council Workers Remove England Flags in Portsmouth
Council workers in Portsmouth removed England flags from residential balconies on Tuesday, July 14, just a day before the Three Lions faced Argentina in the World Cup semi-final. The action has sparked outrage among local residents and politicians, who view it as an unnecessary dampening of national pride.
Doorbell Camera Captures Removal
Doorbell camera footage shared online shows two council workers, wearing shorts and high-visibility rucksacks, arriving at an estate behind King's Street. One worker is heard saying, "Yeah, it's cable tied," before the other cuts the plastic fastenings with a knife and rolls up the flag. The resident whose flag was taken reported the individuals to the police for theft.
Council Cites Fire Safety Concerns
Portsmouth City Council defended the removal, citing fire safety regulations. Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of the 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." He added that residents are welcome to display flags inside their homes, such as in a window.
Politicians Express Dismay
Reform UK Councillor George Madgwick criticized the removal, stating: "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 argued that the flag was attached to a steel bar over a concrete block, posing no real fire risk, and urged the council to use discretion to delay removal until after the tournament.
Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman also weighed in, writing to the council leader to investigate and halt the removals. Her letter stated: "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."
Similar Incident in Cheshire
This is not an isolated case. In Northwich, Cheshire, residents were instructed by Cheshire West Council to remove England flags from streetlights and road signs just days before the semi-final. The council acknowledged that England flags represent "an important symbol of national identity, unity, and respect" but maintained that unauthorised attachments pose a "risk to public safety." Breaching flag display regulations can result in penalties of up to £2,500.
Contentious Symbolism
The flying of the England flag during the World Cup has become a contentious issue, with some associating it with far-right groups. However, many supporters insist it remains a symbol of national pride free from political connotation, especially as England continues to make history in the tournament.
