How different councils are responding across South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire.
In a recent article on British Movement Northern region we contrasted the reactions of York city council and Ripon, North Yorkshire County Council, to the appearance of St George Cross and Union flags on lamp posts etc., as well as flags being painted on roundabouts and street crossings. Since we published that article, York City council has shifted its position somewhat and has been removing flags and painted symbols.
In this article we take a look at the difference between Kirklees council in West Yorkshire (Kirklees covers the towns of Huddersfield, Batley and Dewsbury, plus surrounding small towns and villages), and the council policies of the cities and towns of South Yorkshire.
Of course, South Yorkshire has a long-established dominance by the political Left. In the 1970’s and early 80’s the Left used to boast of the “Peoples Republic of South Yorkshire”, largely controlled by the Labour Party and backed up by strong, militant trade unions and active minor left-wing organisations of the Marxist fringes. Sheffield in particular had for years a regional office of the Communist Party. So overt public displays of patriotism or British nationalism were rarely tolerated.
The one exception in 2025 is Doncaster, where the recent takeover of the authority by Reform UK has thrown much of the previous leftist control by the Labour Party into the past and in Doncaster, the issue of flying flags is now more concentrated on removing Palestine flags and LGBT and pro-Trans flags.
A quick scan over the assorted press releases from the local authorities under scrutiny tells a varied and at times confusing interpretation of local legislation and enforcement of regulations.
Kirklees Council speaks out on removal of St George’s flags.
“St George’s flags flying across towns and villages in Kirklees will not be removed unless they pose a safety risk, the council has confirmed.
“In recent weeks, thousands of St George’s flags have been hoisted in towns, cities and villages up and down the country. Others have been painted on buildings and roads. Some local authorities, like those in York and Rotherham have taken a stand, opting to remove them.
“City of York Council Leader, Councillor Claire Douglas, said a rise in “totally unacceptable racist attacks” and graffiti in the city has coincided with the increased flag flying. She continued to say that communities are feeling “threatened and uncomfortable” which “cannot go on”.
“The cost of York’s clean-up is expected to come with a £250,000 price tag. Rotherham Council has warned that it could cost the taxpayer £1,000 each time a flag is removed from a roundabout.
“Kirklees Council, meanwhile, says it will only be removing flags when they compromise safety. A spokesperson explained: “The council proudly flies the Union flag on our town halls throughout the year. We also support residents’ right to display flags on their property or businesses.
“Flags that have been attached to or painted on to public infrastructure such as lamp posts, roundabouts, and street furniture may pose safety risks to pedestrians, motorists, and those installing them. The council will assess reports on a case-by-case basis and will remove flags if there is a risk to pedestrians, motorists or public safety.
“We are currently monitoring the situation and recording any actions that we take. Any actions will be based on safety, legality, and consistency.”
Notice the quoted ‘concerns’ about “totally unacceptable racist attacks”, although actual evidence is not produced, and the much quoted left-wing mantra from across the UK that communities are feeling “threatened and uncomfortable” which “cannot go on”.
This is the justification used by Labour councils, and echoed by Green Party and Liberal Democrat councillors nationally, to oppose the raising of our national colours and to justify forcible removal of flags and the obliteration of painted flags. The exaggerated spectre of so-called “racism” and the wildly exaggerated claims by the Left that ethnic minorities are being intimidated by the St George Cross and Union flags.
Meanwhile some councils are unsure of what stance to take in case there is a backlash from unhappy, patriotic White British voters. So some councils seek to justify the removals on supposed, ‘public safety’ grounds. “Barnsley Council leader ‘proud to fly flag’ on civic buildings, but flags on public property ‘will be removed’ amid safety fears.”
The conflicted adoption of strategy is clear in Barnsley, once a bastion of left-wing politics and Labour Party control, now the sense of shifting ideological pressures is evident in the council statements.
“Barnsley Council leader Sir Steve Houghton says flags fixed to public property or painted on roads present a safety risk, after social media posts questioned the removal of Union and St George flags in Hoyland.
“Social media posts claim that Union and St George’s flags on West Street were taken down at the weekend and said some were left ‘ripped and shabby’. Red crosses painted on roundabouts were also covered over, prompting criticism on social media.
“Cllr Houghton did not confirm if the flags were removed by BMBC, adding that the council was proud to fly national flags at the Town Hall, but stressed that using highways or public structures for displays was not acceptable.
“I’m proud to be British and proud to be English. I’m proud that as a council we fly the Union Flag above the town hall every day of the year. The only exception to that is St George’s Day when we fly the St George Cross.
“Painting flags on the highway or hanging them from highway structures is also dangerous, not just to the people doing it, but also for others passing by while they’re doing it. It then presents an ongoing health and safety risk to motorists and pedestrians.
“If people want to fly flags on their own property, that’s absolutely fine and up to them, but the use of the road network, council lamp posts or other public property is not acceptable and these will be removed.”
“Barnsley Council has not confirmed whether it was directly responsible for the recent removals in Hoyland.”
ROTHERHAM
“Painting England flags on roundabouts costs taxpayers £1,000 each to remove, council warns amid dangers.
“The issue was raised at a full council meeting on September 10, after reports of mini roundabouts being painted with red crosses to resemble the St George’s flag. Cllr Dave Sheppard said there had been “evidence of people being distracted whilst looking at these markings and not paying due attention”, adding: “Whilst we should always give way to the right on roundabouts, we shouldn’t be giving way to the far right.”
“Flags including the Union Jack and the St George’s Cross have been appearing in towns and cities across England since the summer. While some residents see them as expressions of national pride, others have linked the displays to tensions around migration. Councils have taken different approaches, with some removing flags from lamp-posts and street furniture, while others have allowed them to remain in place.
“Responding, Cllr John Williams, cabinet member for transport, jobs and the local economy, said the practice posed a serious safety risk both to those painting the roads and to drivers.
“For the individual carrying out the behaviour, if someone’s venturing onto a large public highway to paint a roundabout, a junction or a road sign, they’re automatically putting themselves in quite serious danger of injury from a collision with a vehicle,” he said. “And obviously there’s also the danger to road users themselves, from any distractions caused on the road or signage.”
“He added: “The estimated cost for restoring a roundabout that’s had graffiti on it is around £1,000, which I think you’ll agree is a pretty significant cost.
“Cllr Williams said roundabout repainting also created disruption, as smaller roundabouts did not have the space to put in a diversion lane to keep traffic moving.
“Rotherham Council explains stance on flags on public property as Barnsley leader warns of ‘safety risk’
“Rotherham Council have released a statement clarifying how they will be dealing with the sudden appearance of flags on public property across the country.”
“Like towns up and down the country, people in Rotherham are waking up to find public property like streetlights being decorated with flags.
“The appearance of these British and English flags has been heralded by many as sign of national pride, with some describing it as a symbol of ‘unity’. Others however are concerned over the national symbols being used to intimidate minority groups.
“Yet the use of public property for these matters has proved controversial, and the movement has been joined by a spate of graffiti which has seen things like personal cars, takeaways and even war memorials spraypainted with the St George’s Cross in locations across the country.
“In the Greasborough area of Rotherham alone, a bus stop has been spraypainted while flags have been placed on a number of lampposts. Yet, unlike other local authorities, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council has said they are not currently planning on removing flags unless complaints are made. It comes in the same year proposals were made to limit the number of flags on display at the local town hall after complaints about those used to represent international events.”
A Rotherham Council spokesperson said: “We’re not currently removing flags unless they are offensive, classed as graffiti or subject to complaints. We will continue to review our approach.”
“Nearby Barnsley has taken a much different approach, as council leader Sir Steve Houghton pointed out the ‘ongoing health and safety risk to motorists and pedestrians’. He added: “I’m proud to be British and proud to be English. I’m proud that as a council we fly the Union Flag above the town hall every day of the year. The only exception to that is St George’s Day when we fly the St George Cross.
“Regardless of how much we might love our flags, criminal damage and graffiti are not acceptable in any circumstances. Painting flags on the highway or hanging them from highway structures is also dangerous, not just to the people doing it, but also for others passing by while they’re doing it. It then presents an ongoing health and safety risk to motorists and pedestrians.
“Nevertheless, the decision in Rotherham comes as good news to the likes of the Maltby and Hellaby Conservatives, who had previously written to Rotherham council asking for those in their area to stay up.
“In a letter the political party shared on Facebook, they wrote: “We are writing as the Conservative councillors for Maltby and Hellaby to request that the St George’s flags and Union flags currently displayed on lampposts throughout Maltby be permitted to remain in place as a proud expression of patriotism.”
“These flags, embodying our national identity and the patron saint of England, have been enthusiastically embraced by residents, serving as a powerful symbol of unity, pride, and community spirit. In an era where there is growing fear of losing our own cultural identity amidst broader societal changes, these displays act as a vital safeguard, reminding us of our roots and preserving the traditions that define us.
“They enhance the town’s atmosphere, foster a strong sense of belonging, and celebrate our shared heritage in a way that resonates deeply with local people. Allowing them to stay would continue to inspire positivity and reinforce the values that bring our community together.
“We are confident that this display aligns seamlessly with the council’s commitment to supporting local expressions of cultural pride and would be a welcome ongoing feature in Maltby. Thank you for your support in this matter; we look forward to your positive response.”
DONCASTER
“England and Union flags put up across Doncaster”
“St George’s flags have sprung up in a number of locations across Doncaster over the weekend.”
As explained earlier in this article, Doncaster council is now under very different political directives, and while Reform UK is not a racial Nationalist political party, its priorities are widely different to those of the old Labour Party socialist position.
SHEFFIELD
“Council clarifies position on flags on public property as three removed from Sheffield lampposts in past week.
“Council workers have removed three flags from lampposts in the city as national controversy continues around placing flags on public property. It has also been noted how the presence of these flags can help enhance the atmosphere, culture and appearance of communities. Others however are concerned over how these national symbols are being used to intimidate minority groups.
“Sheffield City Council has now revealed to The Star that its partners have only removed a handful of the recently installed flags, though during routine maintenance it is likely more of these placed on public property will also be brought down.
“Amey, who manage the city-wide highway maintenance programme Streets Ahead, have removed only three flags between August 26 and September 1 – two from street lights and one from a traffic signal. Two flag stickers have also been removed on traffic signal push buttons.
“The council did clarify that other organisation, like National Highways, may also be involved in removing flags as part of its work, though this is not associated with the local authority. Regulations prohibit the use of public infrastructure or ‘street furniture’ from being used to display signage without approval from the highway authority.
“A spokesperson for the council said: “Sheffield City Council welcomes people flying flags on private property and recognise there are many reasons to fly flags such as a celebration of community, national pride and our many sporting events.
“However, unauthorised items will be removed from public property in due course as part of routine maintenance. Any unauthorised items which pose a safety risk will be removed as a priority.
“Should any flags need to be removed they will be retained and stored in a safe location.”
So there it is, there is no single policy towards the flags raised by patriots across those council areas of South Yorkshire and the Kirklees area of West Yorkshire. The determined socialists and liberals and Greens hate the appearance of patriotic flags and hide behind public safety excuses or ideological excuses that the ethnic minorities are either offended or frightened by the flags and so the flags must be removed.
Otherwise flags remain and councils dither, and that is Britain in 2025.
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All Images: Stock image.
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