Reform UK has announced a controversial policy prohibiting local councils from displaying the Ukrainian flag, a decision effective following the party's recent electoral successes. Instead, only the Union flag, county flags, and the St George’s flag will be permitted on council buildings. This decision comes at a time when many British councils have been showcasing the blue and yellow flag of Ukraine as a symbol of solidarity in response to Russia's ongoing invasion, which began in February 2022.
Zia Yusuf, the chairman of Reform UK, stated, “No other flags will be permitted to be flown on its flagpoles, balconies, reception desks or council chamber walls.” This move aligns with the party’s broader stance on promoting national pride and identity among British councils.
In the recent local elections, Reform UK gained control of ten councils, including prominent areas such as Durham, Kent, and Lancashire. Following the announcement, various political figures expressed strong opposition. Labour MP Mike Tapp commented on the significance of recent memorials, stating, “As VE Day reminds us, Britain has a proud history of working with allies to defeat dictators and tyrants.” He further lamented that the decision to ban the Ukrainian flag was particularly inappropriate given the timing, noting that the party’s actions reflect a troubling admiration for figures like Vladimir Putin.
Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, echoed this sentiment, criticising Farage's past comments that expressed admiration for Putin. He remarked, “Nigel Farage is fawning over Putin. That’s not patriotism.” This criticism highlights Labour’s concerns regarding Reform's commitment to international alliances, especially in relation to Ukraine.
Additionally, Labour MP James Frith expressed concern over the decision, stating, “It speaks volumes that Reform’s first act after their election gains is to ban the Ukrainian flag in the very week we honour the fight against dictatorship.” He called for Reform’s councillors to reconsider the ban, adding further pressure on the new administration.
The Liberal Democrats also weighed in, highlighting the importance of local communities coming together in support of their allies. A spokesperson from the party noted, “It would be a real shame if Reform councillors block their communities from flying the flag for our brave British troops and our allies against Putin, all for the sake of some meaningless virtue-signalling.”
In response to the backlash, a spokesman for Reform UK defended the party's position, stating, “Reform UK will proudly fly the Union Jack, St George’s flag and county flags. Unlike Labour, we are proud of our country and history.”
As Reform UK implements this policy across the ten councils it now controls, the decision is likely to continue to provoke debate and dissent within the political landscape.
Source: Noah Wire Services