Councils are warning England fans not to hang St George’s Cross flags on public property as they attempt to ‘maintain a welcoming and cohesive community feel’.
Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Shropshire are among the local authorities urging locals not to attach flags to lampposts or signs without permission.
But Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said today that anyone flying an England flag outside their home was ‘now intimidating migrants, according to our political class’.
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp told the Daily Mail: ‘This is outrageous. Patriotic British citizens should be allowed to display national flags, whether the St George’s Cross, Saltire or Union Jack – at times like these.
‘Woke councils should stop being ashamed of our national identity and culture, and start celebrating it instead. I’m proud of our national identity. We all should be – and times like the World Cup is a good time to display it.’
It comes after immigration officers were told that wearing England badges during the World Cup – which starts tonight – could intimidate detained migrants.
The messages come ahead of the World Cup, with England beginning their campaign against Croatia in Dallas on June 17 at 9pm BST, then facing Ghana in Boston on June 23 again at 9pm and Panama in New Jersey on June 27 at 10pm.
Flags are going up in some areas of England – including at the famous Kirby Estate in Bermondsey, south-east London, known as the country’s ‘most patriotic estate’.
But it follows the ‘Operation Raise the Colours’ campaign becoming a flashpoint last summer, as patriotic activists put up St George’s Cross flags on lampposts and painted them on roundabouts – while critics claimed it was hurtful to immigrants.
Now, Bristol City Council leader Tony Dyer has told locals they cannot ‘fly flags on lampposts or railings or any public property’ because of ‘health and safety issues’.
He encouraged anyone who spots any flags on public property to report them to the council, adding that officials were already ‘taking down flags in sensitive locations as a priority and will be reviewing our strategy for removing other flags on our property’.
St George’s Cross flags at the Kirby Estate in Bermondsey, south-east London, yesterday
Torrington Avenue in the city’s Knowle West area was previously dubbed one of England’s most patriotic streets after all 88 houses displayed the flag for Euro 2020.
Wiltshire Council said flags hung without permission on lampposts, roundabouts and road signs ‘pose safety risks to road users and pedestrians’ and ‘obstruct visibility’.
And South Gloucestershire Council warned officials would remove flags displayed without permission on public land or council property, adding that the rules were to ‘protect public safety’ and ‘maintain a welcoming and cohesive community feel’.
Mr Dyer said: ‘The football World Cup is a moment when people across Bristol, and around the world, come together to celebrate national identity, culture and heritage.
‘I look forward to seeing the usual colour and pride across our city as residents support England, Scotland and many other nations competing in the tournament, and I welcome that spirit of celebration.
‘Over the years, we have become accustomed to seeing flags from countries across the globe displayed from homes, cars and local businesses during major tournaments.
‘That visible show of support, a sea of colour across our neighbourhoods, is part of what makes events like the World Cup so special. It reflects the diversity of our city and the shared excitement that brings communities together, whether people are following their home nation or simply enjoying the occasion.
‘If you want to display your team’s flag, please put it up in your own home. What people cannot do is fly flags on lampposts or railings or any public property. Please do not attach anything to lampposts – it causes health and safety issues.
‘If people see flags on public property they can report them through FixMyStreet. We are taking down flags in sensitive locations as a priority and will be reviewing our strategy for removing other flags on our property.
‘The World Cup should be a positive moment for our city, and we want people to enjoy supporting their teams. By celebrating responsibly and being mindful of others, we can ensure that Bristol remains welcoming, respectful and safe for everyone during the tournament.’
Councillor Martin Smith, cabinet member for highways at Wiltshire Council, said: ‘With major sporting events such as the World Cup bringing communities together, many residents will want to show their support by displaying England flags and decorations.
‘We are all willing the England team on to end 60 years of hurt and bring the trophy home.
‘However, we would like to remind residents that placing items such as banners, bunting or flags on or near the public highway – including lampposts, road signs and roundabouts – without permission, can pose safety risks to road users and pedestrians. It can also obstruct visibility.
‘We have a duty to ensure that our roads remain safe, clear and accessible at all times. Any unauthorised items placed on the highway or on council land may have to be removed for these reasons.’
Torrington Avenue in Bristol’s Knowle West area was previously dubbed one of England’s most patriotic streets after all 88 houses displayed the flag for the 2020 Euros. (Pictured at the time)
And South Gloucestershire Council said on its website on a page about the rules for flying flags: ‘Many people choose to fly flags to celebrate national events, support sports teams, or mark important occasions. We welcome this but it is important that flags are displayed safely, lawfully and with consideration for others.
‘These rules are not about limiting expression. They exist to protect public safety, prevent damage to public assets, ensure the highway remains safe and usable for everyone, and maintain a welcoming and cohesive community feel.’
A spokesperson for the council also told the Daily Mail: ‘We know many residents will want to show their support for teams and countries competing in the World Cup.
‘To make sure this is done safely and lawfully, any items, including flags, should only be displayed on your own private property and must not cause obstruction, damage, or concern to others.’
Last month Shropshire Council said it would look at prosecuting anyone found to have attached ‘unauthorised flags’ to lampposts without permission and charge those responsible for the costs.
Councillor David Vasmer, portfolio holder for highways and environment, made the announcement after an apparent rise in reports of abuse, harassment and intimidation against staff removing the flags.
He said: ‘Removing flags is not normal council business, it is not a statutory service, and therefore it comes at an additional cost to the council and its residents, depending on the number and location of flags.
‘We plan to remove all unauthorised flags from our street lighting columns and other highway assets. This will be in Shrewsbury initially with plans to remove all unauthorised flags across the county in time.’
He added: ‘Putting up the Union Flag is not a hate crime, and we have never suggested that it is. What we do not, however, support is the unauthorised attachment of flags or any other objects to street lighting columns, highway infrastructure or other public street furniture due to health and safety issues, damage and costs to residents, nor do we support or tolerate the abuse of our staff and members.
‘In addition, we have been working with partners and have put a bid into the Home Office for funds to support engagement with all our communities around community safety and cohesion issues.
‘We have also requested funds to support the development of local flags, designed for and with our communities, including our young people, that relate to our heritage and communities. These flags to be put up alongside the appropriate display of the Union flag and St George’s flag.’
England flags in Birmingham during the ‘Operation Raise the Colours’ campaign last August
While anyone can fly a St George’s flag from a flagpole located at their house without permission, if it is placed on a wall then it must not exceed 2 square metres in size.
Meanwhile immigration officers have been told that wearing England badges during the World Cup could intimidate detained migrants.
Staff at detention centres were warned against displaying the patriotic items in a new report by the watchdog Independent Monitoring Board (IMB), over fears they may damage ‘professional standards’.
Among the document’s key findings are cautionary words over the effects of wearing England flags in short-term holding facilities (STHFs).
The report says: ‘On two occasions during the summer, staff at one STHF were observed wearing England flags affixed to their uniforms.
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Wearing England badges during World Cup could intimidate migrants, immigration officers are warned
‘The board felt this risked perceptions of bias or even intimidation among detained people, especially in the light of recent anti-immigration protests in which flag displays were prominent.
‘At a minimum, the board concluded that this raised concerns about professional standards and workplace culture at the facility.’
The incidents highlighted in the report date back to 2025 so would have coincided with the Lionesses’ defence of their Euros title.
Migrants with no right to remain in the country, awaiting deportation or removal to their home country, stay in STHFs while they are being processed.
Warnings over flag-wearing employees were included in the guide alongside other concerns including routine handcuffing for transfers, excessive use of force and lengthy stays in detention for migrants ahead of their deportations.
Mr Farage said on Facebook today: ‘Do you wear an England badge? Do you fly an England flag outside your home? According to our political class, you are now intimidating migrants!
‘Last year, officers at Immigration Removal Centres wore England flags in support of our national football team. A watchdog now tells them that they ‘risked perceptions of bias’ by those who should never have been here in the first place.
‘Our country is something to be proud of. Supporting it is only intimidating to politicians who have spent years trying to tear it down at every turn. Reform will always stand up for those who support our country. We are unashamedly proud of Britain, its history, its people and its flag.’
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer backed the public’s right to fly England flags last summer.
His spokesman said at the time: ‘The PM has always talked about his pride in being British, his patriotism… patriotism will always be an important thing to him.’
Asked if Sir Keir was supportive of people putting up English flags, the spokesman said: ‘Absolutely. We put up English flags all around Downing Street every time the English football team, women’s and men’s are out, trying to win games for us.’
