Reform UK has already carried out insurance policies in councils it controls, limiting flags to the Union Jack, St George’s Cross, and county flags solely.
Reform UK chief Nigel Farage (Picture: Getty)
Nigel Farage has reignited controversy over the flying of international flags on public buildings, vowing to impose a UK ban and taking a swipe at former House Secretary James Cleverly. The Reform UK chief hit again after Mr Cleverly criticised Essex Reform councillors for eradicating the Ukrainian flag from County Council headquarters.
Shadow communities minister Mr Cleverly posted on X: “One of many first selections made by Essex Reform was to take away the Ukrainian flag from County Council HQ. Let that sink in.” He linked to a BBC report on the transfer.
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Beneath Reform there will likely be no international flags flown above our public buildings.
Your response to this solely demonstrates why you misplaced within the first place. https://t.co/mi8Je2WF24
— Nigel Farage MP (@Nigel_Farage) Might 16, 2026
In a publish on X on Saturday, Mr Farage wrote: “Beneath Reform there will likely be no international flags flown above our public buildings. Your response to this solely demonstrates why you misplaced within the first place.”
The intervention escalates an ongoing row. Reform UK has already carried out insurance policies in councils it controls, limiting flags to the Union Jack, St George’s Cross, and county flags solely.
This has included eradicating Ukrainian flags flown in solidarity with Ukraine following Russia’s invasion.
Celebration chairman Zia Yusuf beforehand said that Reform-controlled English councils would transfer rapidly to make sure solely the Union Jack and St George’s flag can be permitted on flagpoles, balconies, reception desks, or in council chambers. No different flags can be allowed.
The coverage has drawn sharp criticism from opponents, who accuse Reform of undermining worldwide solidarity, notably with Ukraine.
Reform UK has positioned the stance as a matter of nationwide delight and prioritising British id. Mr Farage and the celebration have repeatedly emphasised flying the Union Jack and St George’s flag throughout public buildings and even faculties as a part of broader patriotic initiatives.
The newest feedback come amid Reform UK’s rising presence in native authorities following current elections. The celebration now controls Essex County Council and has used its place to implement the flag coverage.
Critics, together with Labour figures, have linked the strikes to a broader narrative of isolationism or appeasement in the direction of Russia, a cost Mr Farage has rejected previously.
Mr Farage has lengthy argued that Britain ought to focus by itself pursuits and sovereignty. The celebration’s nationwide ambitions embody strict immigration controls and a powerful emphasis on British symbols and tradition.
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