Reform UK has already implemented policies in councils it controls, restricting flags to the Union Jack, St George’s Cross, and county flags only.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage (Image: Getty)
Nigel Farage has reignited controversy over the flying of foreign flags on public buildings, vowing to impose a UK ban and taking a swipe at former Home Secretary James Cleverly. The Reform UK leader hit back after Mr Cleverly criticised Essex Reform councillors for removing the Ukrainian flag from County Council headquarters.
Shadow communities minister Mr Cleverly posted on X: “One of the first decisions made by Essex Reform was to remove the Ukrainian flag from County Council HQ. Let that sink in.” He linked to a BBC report on the move.
In a post on X on Saturday, Mr Farage wrote: “Under Reform there will be no foreign flags flown above our public buildings. Your reaction to this only demonstrates why you lost in the first place.”
The intervention escalates an ongoing row. Reform UK has already implemented policies in councils it controls, restricting flags to the Union Jack, St George’s Cross, and county flags only.
This has included removing Ukrainian flags flown in solidarity with Ukraine following Russia’s invasion.
Party chairman Zia Yusuf previously stated that Reform-controlled English councils would move quickly to ensure only the Union Jack and St George’s flag would be permitted on flagpoles, balconies, reception desks, or in council chambers. No other flags would be allowed.
Shadow Communities Minister James Cleverly (Image: Getty)
The policy has drawn sharp criticism from opponents, who accuse Reform of undermining international solidarity, particularly with Ukraine.
Reform UK has positioned the stance as a matter of national pride and prioritising British identity. Mr Farage and the party have repeatedly emphasised flying the Union Jack and St George’s flag across public buildings and even schools as part of broader patriotic initiatives.
The latest comments come amid Reform UK’s growing presence in local government following recent elections. The party now controls Essex County Council and has used its position to enforce the flag policy.
Critics, including Labour figures, have linked the moves to a broader narrative of isolationism or appeasement towards Russia, a charge Mr Farage has rejected in the past.
Mr Farage has long argued that Britain should focus on its own interests and sovereignty. The party’s national ambitions include strict immigration controls and a strong emphasis on British symbols and culture.