County council leader comments on flags flown in Hampshire

Councillor Nick Adams-King, the leader of Hampshire County Council, made a post on Facebook addressing questions posed by residents about flags being flown around the county, including in Basingstoke.

The council leader said that seeing the flags had sparked a number of varied reactions from residents, 'some proud, some concerned' as they 'mean different things to different people'.

In Basingstoke, flags displaying the St George's cross have been seen flying on lampposts in Oakridge as well as on the Crockford Roundabout.

Cllr Adams-King said that as far as the council is concerned: "If a flag is dangerous or obstructive, covering road signs or blocking junction views, we'll remove it".

He added: "If it's safe and not causing issues, it stays."

The Conservative leader said the council's stance on flags is guided by practicality rather than politics, as highway teams are focused on potholes, drainage and vegetation.

He added: "That's where their time is best spent rather than removing flags."

Campaign groups began placing the flags across England as part of 'Operation: Raise the Colours', coinciding with protests taking place across the country held by anti-immigration groups.

Supporters of the campaign say that the aim is to promote national pride and patriotism; however, some have criticised the 'operation' for spreading prejudice.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer told BBC Radio 5 Live earlier this month that he is a 'supporter of flags' but doesn't want to see them used for 'divisive purposes'.

In his Facebook post, Cllr Nick Adams-King did have one request, telling people to 'please keep an eye' on flags that they have put up because "no one wants tatty flags flapping from lampposts".

He suggested that flying them from a flagpole placed in a garden may be a 'better option'.