Leicestershire MP Calls for Removal of ‘Tatty’ Lamppost Flags

Jeevun Sandher, the MP for Loughborough, has urged the removal of flags from lampposts across Leicestershire, citing concerns about their deteriorating condition and potential safety hazards. He described some flags as becoming “tatty” and warned that they could detach and become a risk for passing vehicles.

Speaking about the flags’ presence, Sandher emphasized that while many people are proud of their national symbols, their current display has led to feelings of unease among some residents. “When flags are put up in the dead of night, zip-tied to every lamppost, people question what message these flags are meant to convey,” he stated. Sandher expressed a desire for the flags to represent unity rather than division, highlighting that some individuals feel excluded by their display.

Calls for Change Amid Safety Concerns

Hundreds of Union flags and St George’s Crosses were erected across the county and the nation over the summer months. Despite earlier guidance from the Reform-run Leicestershire County Council to keep the flags up unless they posed a “serious safety risk,” Sandher is advocating for their removal regardless of safety assessments.

“I am proud of our flag, but these flags are becoming tatty,” he reiterated. “Their continued presence raises a safety concern as they risk detaching and falling into the road.” Sandher’s comments reflect a broader sentiment that the flags, intended as symbols of national pride, have instead become sources of discomfort for some residents.

In contrast, council leader Dan Harrison has defended the flags’ presence, stating that they symbolize national identity and pride. “I love to see our patron saint, St George’s, flag flying as much as I would the Union flag,” he remarked. Harrison believes that the flags contribute to a sense of community rather than detract from it.

Divided Opinions on National Symbols

While Harrison acknowledges that some may feel uneasy about the flags, he maintains that their representation of national pride outweighs any negative perceptions. He stated, “To me, it gives me a lovely feeling going along and seeing a flag flying. Why not? This is our country.” He emphasized that flags obstructing road signs or causing safety issues are promptly removed, but flags that do not pose such threats should remain.

Sandher’s call for the removal of the flags opens a dialogue about their significance in contemporary society. He noted, “Our British spirit is about us all standing together under our flag. Not some of us—our neighbours, our colleagues, our friends—looking up, feeling like they don’t belong.”

The debate over the flags is emblematic of broader discussions regarding national identity and the symbols that represent it. As local authorities navigate these concerns, the future of such displays remains uncertain. The community continues to reflect on what these symbols mean and who they represent in today’s diverse society.