Redcar and Cleveland Council has ‘no policy’ on flag flying

Acknowledging the many England and Union Jack flags now on display in the borough that were attached to council property or on council land, Marske councillor Dr Tristan Learoyd asked at a meeting what the council’s policy was.

In response, deputy leader Carrie Richardson said there was no adopted policy at this time.

Cllr Learoyd said: “What if I go out and buy 200 pirate flags – there’s nothing at the moment stopping me putting these flags around the borough on lampposts and there’s absolutely nothing the council can do about that?

“Is that the situation right now?”

Cllr Richardson said: “There is no policy.

“The council has sought advice from police and liaised with other Tees Valley authorities on the matter.

“If any residents display flags on council-owned assets, the council is choosing to leave them up unless they cause an obstruction.”

Cllr Learoyd said: “Pirate flags it is then.”

Council leader Alec Brown previously posted on Facebook that the council would only take down flags if there was a highway safety issue or they contained anything offensive or racist.

He said he did not want to see flags used to “demonstrate hatred or division”, but otherwise had “zero issue” with residents who were merely displaying pride in their country.

A campaign ‘Operation Raise the Colours’ started in the summer and spread nationwide which has seen flags of the four nations and the union flag tied to lampposts with versions also being painted onto buildings and roundabouts.

The campaign has received broad support from many politicians, although some anti-racism groups such as Stand Up to Racism and Hope Not Hate have claimed the intention is to intimidate asylum seekers and immigrants.