He said: “Like many towns, cities and villages around the country, they have been proudly displaying the St George’s cross, and the Union Jack, on lamposts around this city, also on roundabouts, bridges and people’s homes.

“It started off as a grassroots campaign for people to feel pride in Britain and in England. But for some, it’s a response to those small boats crossing the Channel.”

However, he explained that today, they have been ordered to remove all flags from the area, he said it was coincidental that it is happening on the same day that new plans are set to be announced.

At the Labour Party Conference, it is expected the Home Secretary will announce that foreigners wanting to live and work in the UK will have to learn to speak English, have a clean criminal record and not claim benefits.

Jonathan finished with: “So the Government today are talking about securing our borders. They’re talking about patriotic renewal on a day where the flags are coming down in Derby.”

The plan for the removal sparked fury, as one user wrote: “What’s the issue? Displaying your country flag is a proud thing?”

Another wrote: “Absolutely ridiculous! This country has gone!!”

A third fumed: “Derby Council bravely tackles… flags. Meanwhile, poverty, housing and services fall apart, get your priorities right fgs.”

Derby City Council are not the only ones to start the removal of the flags, with South Gloucestershire Council also a recent group to confirm they will be taking down the flags.

However, they stated it was due to “hazards and obscure CCTV, road signs and compromising public safety”.

Derby had also issued a statementt which said: “As part of our statutory responsibility to keep public spaces safe and well-maintained, we will be required to remove items that have not obtained the standard permissions. “We fully support and welcome those who choose to fly these flags on their own property.”