Local politicians have warned that the flags have contributed to racism in the city.
The City of York Council has warned that “abuse and intimidation” will not prevent staff from taking down England flags after several hundred were raised. While many flags have been placed on lamp posts in recent weeks, other community groups have opposed these efforts due to concerns that this could lead to racism.
The Yorkies United Against Racism and Hate Crime group was formed in East Parade, Heworth, while another event called We Are York is taking place this weekend. York Central MP Rachael Maskell has said she has been contacted by hundreds of residents upset by the flags. York City Council estimates that taking down the flags will cost as much as £250,000, but warned flags must not be flown on council property.
A spokesperson said: “We estimate there are currently several hundred flags up around the city, which fluctuates depending on the rate they are put up and taken down.
“Online and in-person intimidation and abuse of staff and contractors is unacceptable.
“This will not stop the work being done and we are committed to continuing to work through contractors, council staff, community groups and individuals.
“Community involvement may mean the overall cost to the taxpayer is reduced.
“Flags can be flown legally and patriotically in a number of ways, but not on council-owned infrastructure.”
York has seen hundreds of England flags raised (Image: Getty)
A Labour councillor warned last month that the raising of flags has led to an increase in abuse, including children being targeted with racial abuse while walking to school.
Labour council leader Claire Douglas said: “Flying the flag stirs memories for some members of our communities of their experience of racism and persecution.
“These are much more recent memories for those who have been the subject of totally unacceptable racist attacks or graffiti in the last month, coinciding with the increase in flags flying across our city.
“Many in our communities are feeling threatened and uncomfortable. Children have been racially abused by adults on their way to school, and council staff are being abused simply for doing their jobs of removing graffiti from our roads. This cannot go on.”
The flags were raised in York by a group called ‘Flag Force’, co-founded by Joseph Moulton.
He condemned incidents of racism but defended the right of locals to raise English flags.
He said: “British people do not need permission to fly their flag in their country. If you’re offended by the Union flag, St George’s cross and the Yorkshire flag, maybe you should reconsider the country you live in, considering they’re our national symbols.
“The racist incidents are deplorable. Britain has lost its standards as a nation, and this should extend to how we all behave as individuals.”
