Shropshire council staff met with rising ‘abuse and intimidation’ over removal of flags
Shropshire council has reported increasing abuse and intimidation towards staff and councillors linked to the removal of unauthorized Union Jack and St George's flags. The flags, part of a campaign believed to have started in Birmingham, have been erected across England on public infrastructure, prompting safety and cost concerns. While some view the flags as symbols of pride, others, including local authorities, see the campaign as a source of community tension and intimidation.
- ▪Shropshire council staff and councillors have been threatened while explaining or carrying out flag removals, even during routine tasks like street lighting repairs.
- ▪The flag campaign, which began in Birmingham, has led to hundreds of flags being placed on lamp-posts and public infrastructure across England.
- ▪Shropshire council cited health and safety risks and financial costs, including £13,000 spent after Storm Amy, as reasons for removing the unauthorized flags.
- ▪A group in Shrewsbury offered to remove flags for free to save the council money following the 9% council tax increase.
- ▪Oxfordshire council also reported abuse and threatening behavior, with its leader calling the flag campaign an act of intimidation affecting community safety.
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The flag campaign, which is believed to have started in Birmingham last summer, has resulted in hundreds of union and St George’s flags being erected on across England. Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The GuardianView image in fullscreenThe flag campaign, which is believed to have started in Birmingham last summer, has resulted in hundreds of union and St George’s flags being erected on across England. Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The GuardianShropshireShropshire council staff met with rising ‘abuse and intimidation’ over removal of flagsAuthority says workers and councillors ‘threatened for explaining the council’s position’ as union jack and St George’s flags taken downNeha Gohil Midlands correspondentMon 4 May 2026 08.24 EDTLast modified on Mon 4 May 2026 08.26 EDTSharePrefer the…
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