Row breaks out over removal of Ukraine flag

The removal of the Ukrainian flag has sparked a political row.

Suffolk County Council’s announcement that it will fly the St George’s Cross at Endeavour House in Ipswich, has faced criticism from Green councillors over a lack of discussion or a formal vote.

The Ukrainian flag had been flown in solidarity during the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Reform UK's new cabinet at Suffolk County Council (Image: Suffolk County Council)

Michael Hadwen, leader of Suffolk County Council, said: "We are proud to fly the flag of England and celebrate our national identity, heritage, and the communities we serve.

"The St George’s Cross is an important symbol of our country.

"When the Ukraine flag was first raised, it reflected a moment of solidarity during an extraordinary international crisis.

"That support for the Ukrainian people continues, as does our support for Ukrainians living in Suffolk.

"After four years, however, we believe it is right that the council’s flagpoles should once again focus on flags representing our nation and our county."

Andrew Stringer, leader of the opposition. (Image: Will King)

Andrew Stringer, leader of the Green group, said: "It is deeply concerning that so soon after taking power at Suffolk County Council, Reform UK have unilaterally removed the Ukrainian flag from outside Endeavour House, the council’s headquarters, without discussion.

"The UK has really got behind the Ukrainians in their struggle against illegal Russian occupation in the last few years, and Suffolk residents have welcomed them into our community and literally into their homes."

James Patchett, armed forces Champion at Mid Suffolk Council, said: "Flags of all colours, including our own, remain a contentious issue in modern Britain.

"So, whilst I am not surprised to see the flag of another nation removed from local authority buildings, I am disappointed."

Cllr Richard Rout, whose Conservative Group put up the Ukrainian flag to begin with, said the leader was ‘no friend’ of the families who now call Suffolk home.

He said: “It’s hugely disappointing and divisive that one of Reform UK’s first acts controlling the county council is to take down the Ukrainian flag, which has flown here since Russia’s illegal invasion.

“It would have been quite possible to install an additional flagpole to fly the St George’s Cross, had they wished to do so.

Cllr Martin Cook, the Labour Group leader, added: “Honestly, I think voters expect the new Reform administration to be dealing with the pressing issues of Ipswich’s traffic problems, potholes and SEND failures rather than engaging in gesture politics.”

In recent weeks there has been debate around the St George's flag after Framlingham Town Council received complaints about the displays at Bulstrodes and Framlingham Toy Shop, in Bridge Street.

This is despite the business owner Bill Bulstrode hanging flags around the town's Market Hill to celebrate national and local events since 2008, and he said nobody had complained to him about the flags.