A Labour MP and former shadow minister has branded Brits flying the St George’s Cross “extremists” who “intimidate the vast majority”. Clive Lewis, MP for Norwich South, made the remarks after flags were erected on lamposts around the Brook Hotel, which is used to house migrants, in his constituency. Mr Lewis has hit out at Norfolk County Council for not removing the British flags which were put up a week ago.

The migrant hotel in Bowthorpe has seen hundreds of locals protest outside in recent weeks, with a number of counter-demonstrators turning up too. Mr Lewis told the Eastern Daily Press that “most people say they fly the St George’s Cross out of pride – and that’s probably even true for some of those putting them on lampposts. But far‑Right groups are using these flags to mark territory and intimidate the vast majority who reject their extreme views.”

Labour MP Clive Lewis represents Norwich South. (Image: Getty)

He continued: “They’re trying to drag the flag back into being just their flag, only for their purposes of division and intolerance, undoing the brilliant way our multi‑heritage England teams turned it into one of unity and pride.

“I’ve raised residents’ concerns with the county council – they can’t look the other way when extremists use our streets to send an intimidating message.”

The MP for Norwich South was told by Norfolk Constabulary not to attend any counter-demonstrations after he joined a counter-protest at the hotel in December. The force said his presence may escalate tensions further.

Norfolk County Council has responded to his calls to remove the flags saying it is “not prioritising” taking them down and is instead focusing on “more urgent” road issues.

A spokesman said: “We’re aware of a small number of locations where flags have been attached to street lights.

“While the council does not encourage people to put flags up on lampposts and other street furniture and does not regard these as long-term features, the council will not prioritise the removal of such flags over any more urgent highway activity.”

The Brook Hotel has been one of many hotels to see hundreds of people turn up for anti-migrant and counter-demonstrations in recent weeks.

Protests erupted on the weekend following the Court of Appeal’s ruling to overturn an injunction sought by Epping Forest District Council to stop the Bell Hotel from housing asylum seekers.