A row has erupted after Reform UK pledged to ban local authorities from flying any flags aside from the Union Jack or the St George’s Cross in councils they control.
In last week’s local elections, Reform UK gained control of 10 councils, two mayoralties and won more than 500 council seats.
And after saying last week they want to end all diversity and equality hire roles, another policy was announced this morning by party chairman Zia Yusuf.
Politics latest: Follow live updates
He said on social media that Reform-controlled councils will move “at speed” to ensure the only flag that will be flown on public authority buildings “will be the Union Jack and the St George’s flag”.
He added: “No other flags will be permitted to be flown on flag-poles, balconies, reception desks or council-chamber walls.”
The announcement quickly drew criticism from across the political divide – including from Labour, Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives.
Labour MPs, including Dover and Deal’s Mike Tapp, said this would stop councils flying the Ukrainian flag.
Be the first to get Breaking News
Install the Sky News app for free
Mr Tapp said: “Reform are to ban the flying of Ukrainian flags from public buildings. A gesture of solidarity we see across the whole country.”
He then branded the party: “Putin’s puppets.”
This is an attack line often used by the prime minister in Prime Minister’s Questions, with Sir Keir Starmer accusing Nigel Farage of “fawning” over the Russian leader.
During last year’s election campaign, the Reform leader reiterated his belief that the West and NATO had “provoked” Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – though said it was “of course” Vladimir Putin’s “fault”.
In 2014, he said Mr Putin was the statesman he most admired.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Richard Tice, Reform’s deputy leader, proceeded to mock Mr Tapp on social media, replying with a series of water drop emojis and saying “drip, drip, drip” – adding: “Oh, it’s the Tapp again”.
However, the loudest criticism came from the Conservative ranks. Councillors and MPs attacked Reform’s policy for potentially stopping regional flags like that of Kent or Yorkshire from being flown.
A Reform spokesperson said: “Reform UK will proudly fly the Union Jack, St George’s Flag and County flags. Unlike the Tories and Labour, we are proud of our country and history.”
It is understood that flags with “national heritage” will also be allowed.
Read more:
Local election in maps and charts
‘Feasible’ Farage could be next PM
Among those criticising Reform was former Tory leadership hopeful Tom Tugendhat, whose constituency is in Kent.
He said: “The White Horse has been the symbol of Kent for almost two thousand years.
“The first king of Kent, Hengest, is said to have used the flag as he and his brother, Horsa, conquered their new kingdom.
“Denying our flag is denying our history.”
Tickets for Electoral Dysfunction live on sale now
Dr Luke Evans, the Conservative MP for Hinckley and Bosworth, asked on social media if Reform would allow the Leicestershire county flag to fly.
Similar comments were made by Tory councillors on social media, as well as some Liberal Democrats.
The war of words comes after the Conservatives and Labour both suffered heavily at the hands of Reform in last week’s local elections, as well as the Runcorn and Helsby by-election.
👉 Click here to listen to Electoral Dysfunction on your podcast app 👈
As well as flags belonging to other countries, the measure will also prevent councils controlled by Reform from flying flags associated with movements, causes or anything else – for example the Pride flag.
A Reform source said: “The Tories seem more upset about Reform councils flying the union flag than their councils flying the trans flag. It sums up the state of the Tory party, the sooner they’re consigned to the dustbin of history, the better.”
