Folks might face prosecution for flying St George’s and Union Jack flags as a part of the crackdown on “divisive” behaviour.
Campaigners could possibly be prosecuted for flying flags in Oxfordshire below the brand new guidelines (Picture: PA)
A UK council has formally recognised the set up of St George’s flags below Operation Elevate the Colors as “an act of intimidation and division”. Oxfordshire County Council stated the widespread putting of flags throughout the county was “having an actual and damaging affect on communities” in an official rebuke to the Elevate the Colors marketing campaign. The group spearheaded the set up of St George’s and Union Jack flags in cities and cities across the UK final summer season, in a development celebrated as patriotic by some and slammed as xenophobic for its affiliation with migrant resort protests by others.
Council chief Liz Leffman stated residents have been left feeling “distressed, unwelcome and unsafe in their very own neighbourhoods” by the marketing campaign, with over 200 complaints reportedly lodged with the Liberal Democrat-run native authority. “We’re pleased with our numerous communities in Oxfordshire and of being the primary county council to be awarded Native Authority of Sanctuary standing,” she stated.
The Liberal Democrat-run county council issued the discover in late March (Picture: Getty)
“We proudly fly the Union Jack and St George’s flags, that are seen symbols of democracy and unity.
“Nevertheless, the widespread set up of flags by Elevate the Colors just isn’t an indication of patriotism. It’s an act of intimidation and division that’s having an actual and damaging affect on our communities.”
The council, which revealed it had spent over £15,000 eradicating flags from native lampposts in January, additionally stated employees have been topic to “completely unacceptable” abuse and threatening behaviour whereas finishing up the work.
“The council has a duty to behave the place behaviour undermines neighborhood cohesion and the protected and inclusive use of public areas,” a spokesperson added.
The authorized discover filed by the council requires people and organisations to cease putting flags round Oxfordshire or face penalties together with civil and legal motion.
It comes after police launched a legal investigation right into a “confrontational” incident whereas flags have been being put up on Abingdon Highway in Oxford final week.
It allegedly concerned a confrontation between members of the Elevate the Colors group and residents, who at one level used a cherry picker to dam entry.
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Thames Valley Police stated in a press release on Friday: “We’re conscious of an incident that came about on Abingdon Highway on Tuesday in relation to individuals elevating flags on road furnishings.
“We have now opened an investigation into the incident and that is nonetheless ongoing. We have now no additional feedback presently however will share an replace when we’ve got one.”
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