Nigel Farage’s Reform UK is facing a fierce backlash after banning Ukrainian flags from local authority buildings — just days after winning control of ten councils in England.
🚫 Flag ban sparks fury
In its first big move post-election, Reform UK declared that only the Union Jack and the St George’s Cross could fly on council buildings under their control.
Chairman Zia Yusuf didn’t mince his words:
“Reform controlled English councils will move at speed to resolve that the only flags permitted to be flown on or in its buildings will be the Union Jack and the St George’s flag. No other flags will be permitted to be flown on its flag-poles, balconies, reception desks or council-chamber walls.”
Cue uproar.
🏴 County flags okay, Ukraine still banned
After a wave of criticism, the party backtracked slightly. County flags? Sure. But Ukraine’s? Still a no-go.
The timing couldn’t have been worse — the announcement came during VE Day celebrations, when Britain remembers standing shoulder to shoulder with allies to defeat fascism.
🎖️ “Sickening,” says Labour MP
Mike Tapp, Labour MP for Dover and Deal, didn’t hold back:
“It tells you all you need to know about Nigel Farage’s Reform that their very first act after winning elections is to ban the Ukrainian flag from our town halls, in this of all weeks.
“While it is sickening, it should come as no surprise: Farage told us that Vladimir Putin is the world leader he most admires. Farage and Reform councillors should stop sucking up to Moscow and drop their ban immediately.”
🪖 Veterans Minister joins the pile-on
Veterans Minister Al Carns also blasted the move, calling it tone-deaf and disrespectful:
“On the day that Ukrainian troops march alongside British personnel to commemorate VE Day, it’s completely wrong for Reform to pull down the Ukrainian flag from council buildings.
“The Ukraine conflict is a reminder that freedom isn’t free. We must continue to stand up for the values our VE generation fought for.”
🤷♂️ Reform defends ‘proud’ flag stance
Shadow Local Government Secretary Kevin Hollinrake poked at Farage’s well-documented praise for Putin:
“Presumably no Ukrainian flags either? Pretty understandable given Nigel Farage’s robust defence of Putin’s excuses for invasion.”
In response to the criticism, a Reform UK spokesman said:
“Reform UK will proudly fly the Union Jack, St George’s flag and county flags. Unlike the Tories and Labour, we are proud of our country and history.”
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