Oxfordshire County Council, a Liberal Democrat-run local authority, has spent nearly £80,000 removing England flags from lampposts, sparking outrage from opposition politicians. The figure, obtained by Conservative leader Liam Walker, covers the period from September 2025 to May 2026 and amounts to £79,790.21. The council also took legal action last month to prevent residents from raising flags near highways.
Operation Raise The Colours Sparks Controversy
The flag removals are linked to a nationwide online campaign called Operation Raise The Colours, which encouraged the flying of St George's Cross and Union Jack flags. The campaign rapidly became contentious, with several councils removing flags from public infrastructure. Some politicians decried the removals as an attack on patriotism, while others argued the increased flag displays were driven by xenophobia or racism.
Conservative Criticism Over Priorities
Liam Walker, leader of the Conservative group on the council, criticized the spending as a misallocation of resources. "I've consistently warned about the blank cheque the council appears to have written for this work. At a time when residents are reporting potholes that remain unfixed for months ... and highways maintenance is under real pressure, this simply doesn't feel like the right priority," Walker said. He also questioned whether the £80,000 on flag removal, "with further legal costs still to come," represented value for money for the electorate.
Council Defends Actions on Safety Grounds
Council leader Tim Bearder defended the policy, stating: "We proudly fly the Union flag and St George's flag at County Hall and we fully support the right of residents to display flags on their own private property. However, there's an important distinction between lawful expression and activity that puts people at risk or intimidates residents in their own communities." A council spokesperson added: "These costs relate to the safe removal of unauthorised items from highway assets such as streetlights. The council has a legal duty to ensure the highway network remains safe and free from obstructions or attachments that could pose a risk to public safety or damage infrastructure."
Legal Action and Ongoing Costs
The council's legal action against flag displays on public property, initiated last month, is expected to incur additional costs. The Oxford Mail reported the figures obtained by Mr Walker. The controversy highlights tensions between freedom of expression and public safety, as well as debates over council spending priorities during a period of constrained budgets.
