William Eichler 06 May 2025

Reform criticised after flag ban proposal

Reform criticised after flag ban proposal image
© chrisdorney / Shutterstock.com.

Reform UK has become embroiled in a new controversy after declaring the only flags that will be flown by councils it controls will be the Union Jack and the St. George’s Cross.

On Monday morning (May 5), party chairman Zia Yusuf tweeted: ‘Reform controlled English councils will move at speed to resolve that the *only* flags permitted to be flown on or in its buildings will be the Union Jack and the St George’s flag.’

He added: ‘No other flags will be permitted to be flown on its flag-poles, balconies, reception desks or council-chamber walls.’

The statement prompted critics to raise the issue of local county flags and the Ukrainian flag.

Labour MP Mike Tapp commented: ‘Reform are to ban the flying of Ukrainian flags from public buildings. A gesture of solidarity we see across the whole country. Shameful! And as VE Day approaches. Putin’s puppets.’

Conservative MP Graham Stuart added: ‘Reform wants to ban Yorkshire councils from flying the Yorkshire flag. I guess the change they promised has started.’

A Reform spokesman responded to the criticism, telling the BBC: ‘Reform UK will proudly fly the Union Jack, St George's flag and county flags.’

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