Sir Keir Starmer sought to define the idea of “patriotic renewal” during a grilling on the BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme.
The row has erupted as Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour prepares to focus on ‘patriotic renewal’ (Image: GETTY/GMB)
A Labour-led council has ordered the removal of St. George and Union Jack flags from public spaces in Derby, a decision that coincides with the party’s annual conference in Liverpool, where “patriotic renewal” is a key theme. Derby City Council on Monday began taking down flags from bridges, walls, and lampposts, reported Good Morning Britain, a move that has already sparked significant backlash.
Jonathan Swain, GMB’s Senior News Correspondent, said: “In Derby, like many towns, cities and villages around the country, they have been proudly displaying, in their words, the St George’s Cross. Also the Union Jack is on the lampposts around this city, also on the roundabouts, on bridges and in people’s homes. That started off as this grassroots campaign for people to feel pride in Britain and in England, but for some as well, it was also in response to what they’re seeing of those boats, small boats, crossing the Channel, of all that increase in numbers of illegal immigration.
“Well, today here in Derby, the flags, ironically, are being pulled down on a day where the government is talking about patriotic renewal.”
Mr Swain’s coverage also included a personal angle from Doncaster, where migrant businessman Darin Ahmed, who fled Iraq nearly three decades ago, shared his frustrations.
Mr Ahmed’s chip shop was recently vandalised with “England” spray-painted on its shutter, an act he found “very hurtful”.
Despite this, he supports tighter immigration rules, saying: “If they have criminal records, I am the first one to sign the registration because I have three kids here as well and I might have a fear like English people do for migrants who come over with criminal records.”
Chancellor Rachel Reeves at the conference in Liverpool (Image: Getty)
Mr Swain’s coverage also included a personal angle from Doncaster, where migrant businessman Darin Ahmed, who fled Iraq nearly three decades ago, shared his frustrations.
Mr Ahmed’s chip shop was recently vandalised with “England” spray-painted on its shutter, an act he found “very hurtful”.
Despite this, he supports tighter immigration rules, saying: “If they have criminal records, I am the first one to sign the registration because I have three kids here as well and I might have a fear like English people do for migrants who come over with criminal records.”
The council’s decision is part of a broader trend, with other councils like York and Blackpool also removing flags due to safety concerns and community tensions.
Earlier this month, Councillor Sarah Chambers justified Derby’s move as a “statutory responsibility” to ensure public safety and prepare for seasonal events, though she noted the council had previously been flexible during Operation Raise the Colours.
Ms Chambers encouraged residents to retrieve their flags safely during the next week and approach local ward councillors for official flagpole installations.
The council “proudly” flies the Union Flag outside the Council House and supports private flag-flying.
However, the decision has been met with strong opposition from local councillors. Councillor Tim Prosser, Reform Derby group leader, argued that flag-flying is misunderstood as a “show of aggression or racial hate but simply as a token of national pride and frustration about our Government.”
He warned that removing the flags would increase this frustration, a sentiment echoed by Conservative group leader Councillor Steve Hassall, who criticised the council’s priorities.
He said:”This highlights how badly misplaced the council’s priorities have become,” Hassall said, noting residents’ concerns about crime, antisocial behaviour, and safety.
Derby City Council has said it was time to bring the “campaign of flag flying to an end,” attributing the decision to a “statutory responsibility” to keep public spaces safe and well-maintained, and to prepare the area for seasonal and commemorative events.
The authority encouraged those interested in installing official flagpoles to approach their local ward councillors, and it “proudly” flies the Union Flag outside the Council House, fully supporting private flag-flying.
A Derby City Council spokesperson said: ”
“Derby City Council understands and shares the pride our residents feel in being British. We proudly fly the Union Flag outside the Council House every day, and we recognise both the Union Flag and the Flag of St George as important symbols of our national identity. We fully support and welcome those who choose to fly these flags on their own property. We also encourage any residents interested in installing an official flagpole in their area to approach their local ward councillors to discuss the process and possibilities.
“In recent weeks we’ve seen the Union Flag and the Flag of St George flown informally across the country. During this time, Derby City Council has taken the decision not to exercise our discretionary legal powers to remove flags or bunting that has been placed on street furniture, such as lamp posts and bridges, unless they’ve been a health and safety hazard. It is important to note that many other councils across the UK have taken a similar stance.
“It is time to bring this campaign of flag flying to an end as we need to begin to clear our lampposts for future seasonal and commemorative events.”
