Councillor filmed in flag removal incident in Basingstoke

The video, widely shared on social media, shows Cllr Michael Howard-Sorrell, who represents Brookvale and Kings Furlong, in an altercation with a man who confronts him over the removal of flags.

The man, who uses vulgar language throughout the exchange, questions whether the councillor is “ashamed” of his country and urges him to “be proud”.

The flags are believed to be part of 'Operation: Raise the Colours', a campaign coinciding with protests held by anti-immigration groups. The man in the video defends the placement of flags, stating they are “not being... racist” and were “put up for a reason”.

In the footage, the councillor responds that placing flags on public infrastructure is “breaking the law”, referencing the Highways Act 1980, which prohibits placing items such as flags or bunting over, along or across a highway without permission from the highway authority.

The leader of Hampshire County Council, Cllr Nick Adams-King, confirmed that, despite the rule, they would not remove flags if they were 'safe and not causing issues' for 'practicality rather than politics'.

He added that highways teams are focused on potholes, drainage and vegetation where their time is best spent 'rather than removing flags'.

The altercation between the two men, which was caught on video and posted on X on September 12, concludes with the second man walking away while shouting expletives.

The incident has prompted responses from local councillors and residents. A now-deleted post from the Basingstoke Conservatives group criticised the man believed to be Cllr Howard-Sorrell.

Group leader Cllr Simon Minas-Bound described the footage as “incredibly disappointing” and said the councillor had acted “in a divisive manner”.

Labour member, Cllr Zander West, said that the St George's flag and Union Jack 'will always represent our community from all walks of life', echoing Keir Starmer's words that 'Britain will never surrender to far-right protestors who use the flag to instil fear'.

The post resulted in a lot of backlash, as well as threats, when it was shared by some anti-immigration groups on Facebook and X.

Cllr Simon Minas-Bound said that he 'will always challenge councillors' but 'utterly rejects any threats of violence'.

A spokesperson for the Green Party stated that his actions were 'entirely legal and were carried out in his capacity as a private citizen exercising his right to freedom of speech.'

They added: "Anyone who has watched the video will see that Michael was subject to horrendous abuse and vile language, but remained calm and reasonable throughout.

"He pointed out that he was proud of his local community and was acting to prevent littering or flyposting. His actions were entirely legal and were carried out in his capacity as a private citizen exercising his right to freedom of speech.

"No one should be subject to such abuse, and in particular, no one who has given up their time to serve their local community as an elected councillor should be treated this way.

"Since this event, the councillor in question has been subject to threats of violence and worse. These threats and the initial harassment shown in the video have been reported to the police.

"We urge all political parties to stand up for democracy and against these kinds of threats and intimidation."

A spokesperson for Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council said: "The council’s position remains that we fly our national flag at the council, as do most government buildings.

"We have policies for issues like graffiti and things causing health and safety concerns on our property. However, we are not aware of any Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council property being affected.

"Roads, roundabouts, lamp posts and other signs on the roadside are the property of Hampshire County Council.

"We do not condone abuse or threats of violence towards anyone, including our councillors, staff and residents."