'Fly the flag: yes, painting over street signs: no'

PLYMOUTH Tories have welcomed the sudden unfurling of St George's flags around the city as a “show of patriotism” - but have condemned anyone causing vandalism.

- WILLIAM TELFORD

The flag of England, a red cross on a white background, has started appearing across the city, with flags fluttering from lampposts and bridges, and bunting attached to fences and houses.

But vandals have also been painting a red cross on anything white, including mini-roundabouts, zebra crossings and signs. The proliferation of flags, which is happening nationwide and not just in Plymouth, has sparked a debate on whether it represents patriotism or something altogether darker, with suggestions it is connected to so-called far-right demonstrations.

Plymouth City Council last week said it was a “proud and patriotic city” and welcomed people flying flags on their own property, but not attaching them to public property without consent - and certainly not to paint on the roads.