Never mind the flags, sort out bins and rats

A LOCAL authority that has been tearing down “hundreds” of patriotic flags should be spending its time and money on bin collections and pest control instead, residents say.

- By Richard Ashmore

The decision to remove Union Jacks and St George's flags has sparked a standoff with locals, who are replacing them with even more.

They accuse Birmingham City Council of double standards - saying Palestinian and Afghan flags have been allowed to fly.

Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick called the policy "blatant two-tier bias against the British people" after a leaked communication revealed the local authority needed the "support of the police due to issues" removing the flags.

Downing Street said Sir Keir Starmer was supportive of the flag-flyers. A spokesman added: "Absolutely, patriotism, putting up English flags.

"We put up English flags all around Downing Street every time the English football teams are out trying to win games for us."

So far 200 British flags have been ripped down in Birmingham, according to estimates.