Council workers caught removing England flags ahead of World Cup semi-final vs Argentina | UK | News

Municipality workers removed English flags from balconies before England’s semi-final match against Argentina, angering local residents.

The flags were raised by Portsmouth City Council members on Tuesday (July 14), a day before the Three Lions are set to face a historic clash with the current world champions.

The homeowner reported two men to the police for the theft of his flag, which the municipality claimed was a ‘fire risk’.

Doorbell footage posted online shows two workers in shorts and high-vis backpacks arriving on land behind King’s Street in Portsmouth before getting rid of the flag.

One says to the other: “Yes, the cable is connected.” The second man then cuts the plastic fasteners with a knife before rolling up the flag and walking away.

The removal of the flag stunned politicians. Reform UK Member of Parliament George Madgwick said: Metro: “I don’t know if they give notice or not, but their standard practice is to send a notice letter.

“Normally, only non-compliance results in suspension and repatriation fees

“Locals believed it was theft and reported it to the police. It had been prepared for the World Cup just a few weeks ago.”

He added: “The flag is attached to a steel rod suspended over the concrete block. “There is no real risk of fire.

“The council should have been proud of our nation and its World Cup hopes and then used its discretion to dismantle it.

“The leader should support the excitement shared by the England team and the local community by instructing officers to be responsive and use their discretion to delay the removal of flags until the end of the tournament.

“National pride is vital and positivity is needed at this time and removing national flags sends the wrong negative message.”

Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman said she had written to the council leader urging him to investigate the matter and stop taking down the British flag.

The letter includes the following statements: “People are rightfully excited ahead of the historic Semi-Final between England and Argentina tomorrow.

“Flying the British flag in support of the national side is a symbol of pride that everyone should stand behind, regardless of their political views. No other country in the world lowers its national flag.”

Major Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, said: “We understand residents want to show their support for England and we are pleased to see the community getting behind the team.

“However, our fire safety policy, supported by Hampshire Fire and Rescue and the Fire Safety Code, requires that communal balconies be kept clear of anything that could start a fire, spread a fire or prevent safe access. This applies to all items placed on balconies, including flags and banners.

“We have consulted with Hampshire Fire and Rescue and they accept our approach of keeping communal balconies open for fire safety.

“Residents can hang flags inside their home, such as in a window, where they can show their support and help keep everyone safe at the same time.”

This is not the only area in England where flags are lowered.

Residents of Northwich Street in Cheshire were ordered to take down their flags by Cheshire West Council just days before the semi-final match.

In a statement, the council acknowledged that UK flags represented “an important symbol of national identity, unity and respect”, but argued that the unlawful fixing of flags on street lamps and road signs was “unacceptable” and a “risk to public safety”.

There are strict rules on how flags are displayed and if these are broken Brits could be fined up to £2,500.

Displaying the England flag in support of the national team has become a complicated issue at this World Cup; many feel that this undermines the meaning of his association with far-right groups.

But others still want to proudly display the white and red flag as England continue to make history ahead of Wednesday’s game against Atlanta, reiterating that it is not a political symbol.