Sarah Pochin has lashed out at a band of people sharing information about flags’ locations, apparently in an effort to get them removed.
Union and St George’s flags have been hoisted across Britain (Image: Getty)
A Reform UK MP has said the UK needs a new police force to guard flags hoisted around the country. Talk TV host Jeremy Kyle lamented at an “unpatriotic” group of Britons sharing information online about where flags have been hoisted so they can take them down. Sarah Pochin, who represents the former Labour constituency of Runcorn and Helsby on behalf on Nigel Farage’s party, said: “This is going to cause absolute anarchy. It’s going to cause disorder, and if anybody tries to take down my Union [Flag] flying proudly in my garden, oh my god, bring it on.”
She added: “People are proudly flying these flags, and I tell you what, Jeremy, this is a disgrace. Can you imagine in America if people went round taking down their flags, what would happen? We need to have flag police now, and it’s not flag police taking them down, it’s flag police making sure those flags stay up.”
It comes after a British council blamed wet weather for having to remove flags hoisted on its patch.
Oxfordshire County Council insisted that it takes pride in residents flying the Union Flag and St. George’s flags on their own property, but emphasised road safety risks when talking about unauthorised hangings in central Oxford.
The flags were spotted from Folly Bridge, on St. Aldates and past the police station to Speedwell Street, near Oxford Crown Court. They were also seen around the corner and behind Oxford Westgate shopping centre.
The local authority suggested placing flags or painting them on or near highways can “create serious safety hazards”.
In September, Sir Keir Starmer insisted he supports people hoisting British flags, saying he has a St George’s flag in his flat.
Keir Starmer said he is encouraging of people hoisting British flags (Image: Getty)
He told the BBC: “I am the leader of the Labour Party who put the Union Jack on our Labour Party membership cards.
“I always sit in front of the Union Jack. I’ve been doing it for years, and it attracted a lot of comment when I started doing it.”
The Prime Minister also said: “I’m very encouraging of flags. I think they’re patriotic and I think they’re a great symbol of our nation.
“I don’t think they should be devalued and belittled.
“I think sometimes when they’re used purely for divisive purposes, actually it devalues the flag.
“I don’t want to see that. I’m proud of our flag.”
