'We cannot let our flags become banners for hate'

DERBY City Council is monitoring incidents in which English and British flags may have been erected as a direct form of intimidation, hate crime or harassment.

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This comes after a resident raised concerns with the city council at a meeting on Wednesday, claiming to have identified streets “where flags erected appear intended to intimidate”.

The resident had asked: “Given that these flags are unauthorised and are causing community concern, why have they not yet been removed?”

In response, Cllr Sarah Chambers, cabinet member for cost of living, equalities and communities, said: “We know that some residents have raised concerns about the flags that have been put up in parts of the city.

“Our current approach is that the council will only step in to remove flags where they pose a clear safety risk - for example, if they are blocking the highway.

“We also recognise that for some people these displays can feel intimidating. While the council does not have unlimited powers to act in every case, we are not ignoring the issue.