'Proud of the flag' - Flags row enters Birmingham council chamber with Conservatives waving Union flags

The appearance of the Union flag and St George’s Cross in areas such as Weoley Castle fiercely split opinion during the summer before the phenomenon sprang up across the country.

Flags were attached to lamp posts in several city neighbourhoods as well as on major roads such as the A38 in south Birmingham.

A full council meeting this week took an unexpected turn as Conservative councillor Ron Storer urged Birmingham Council’s Labour leadership to install British flags across the city.

Cabinet member councillor Jamie Tennant responded to the first question about the flags by saying: “I’m proud of the flag, we fly it every day outside this council house.

“I’ve used it on my materials before. We have no problem with flying the flag.

“We have a policy around attachments to lamp posts which is being undertaken.”

As Councillor Storer asked his follow-up question, a number of fellow Conservative councillors began waving Union flags.

“Anyone who suggests flying our national flags is racist is themselves trying to be divisive,” he said.

“Does the cabinet member agree with me so residents don’t need to put up their own flags, the council should put up our national flag in every high street, every council building so we can all share in the pride of our great nation and unite all residents under the flag?”

Councillor Tennant answered: “As I previously said, we already fly the British flag outside our council house.”

The appearance of the flags has sparked an ongoing debate, with those responsible describing it as a patriotic move to celebrate the country’s history and achievements.

But it has also sparked concern from anti-racism campaigners and others amid claims those responsible are politically motivated and seeking to stir up division.

Birmingham Conservatives said this week that if they gained control of the council in next year’s all-out elections, they would display British flags on all council buildings and high streets across the city.

Leader of the opposition, Councillor Robert Alden, said: “Brummies have made it clear they want to see our flag flown proudly and that is why a Conservative council next year will ensure this happens without residents needing to put flags on lamp posts themselves.”

A Birmingham City Council spokesperson said previously the local authority “recognises the importance of the Union flag and flag of St George as symbols of national pride”.

“Brummies are proud to be British and proud that this is a welcoming city celebrating many different cultures,” they said.

“When it comes to items attached to lampposts, it is normal council procedure for these to be removed on a regular basis, in line with our health and safety obligations.

“As has always been the case, people are free to fly or hang flags from their homes or gardens, but we ask they are not attached to street furniture.”

Speaking to BBC Politics Midlands, Labour MP for Selly Oak and former Royal Marine Al Carns said he was proud of the flag he served under and that “fringe groups” should not be allowed “to own that flag as a symbol of their politics”.

Instead, he said the nation should “drown that out by everyone being patriotic about the flag”.