PM backs patriotism - but flags come down

PATRIOTISM “will always be an important thing” to Sir Keir Starmer, Downing Street has said, after St George's Cross flags were removed from Birmingham council properties.

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Flags have also been taken down in Tower Hamlets in east London.

On Monday, St George's cross flags were pictured on the A1206 on the Isle of Dogs in the east of the capital, after campaigners attached them following an online movement called “Operation Raise the Colours”.

Large parts of south Birmingham have also seen hundreds of England flags raised, some claim in response to Palastinian flags in other parts of the city.

But now Birmingham City Council says it is removing them.

Asked what the Prime Minister's view was on the councils that have removed the flags, Sir Keir’s official spokesman said: “I think the PM has always talked about his pride of being British, the patriotism he feels.