Reform UK is facing intense criticism after banning Ukrainian flags from being flown on council buildings they control, sparking accusations of “sucking up to Moscow”.
The party, led by Nigel Farage, gained control of 10 councils in the recent local elections, including Kent, Lincolnshire, and Derbyshire. One of their first policies was to restrict flag flying to only the Union Jack and St George’s flag, requiring the removal of Ukrainian flags that had been displayed in support of Kyiv amidst Russian hostilities.
Do you think the Ukrainian flag should be flown in support of Ukraine? Is Nigel Farage ‘sucking up to Moscow?’ Have your say in our comments section.
Party chairman Zia Yusuf stated: “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.”
The move has sparked outrage among MPs, with many criticising the party for their stance, particularly given the timing of the announcement, which coincided with VE Day commemorations honouring the conclusion of the Second World War in Europe.
While the party has since made a partial U-turn, allowing for the flying of England’s historic county flags, the ban on Ukrainian flags remains in place, reports the Mirror.
Mike Tapp, Labour MP for Dover and Deal, didn’t mince his words as he mused on the profound implications of VE Day, declaring: “As VE Day reminds us, Britain has a proud history of working with allies to defeat dictators and tyrants. 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.”
He didn’t hold back in denouncing the party’s apparent sympathies, remarking further: “But 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 on flying the Ukrainian flag immediately.”
Al Carns, the Veterans Minister, slammed Reform UK’s actions as ‘completely wrong’. He emphasized, “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.”
Carns issued a firm directive: “They should reverse this decision. The Ukraine conflict is a reminder that freedom isn’t free, and we must continue to stand up for the values our VE generation fought for.”
A spokesperson for Reform UK made a point of the party’s distinct stance, saying: “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.”
Do you think the Ukrainian flag should be flown in support of Ukraine? Is Nigel Farage ‘sucking up to Moscow?’ Have your say in our comments section.
