England flag removed from council balcony in Portsmouth

The decision to remove an England flag from a communal balcony at a Portsmouth council block has “nothing to do with flags”, “football” or “patriotism”, the council leader has said.

An England flag removed from a Portsmouth council block has sparked a national political row after footage of council staff taking it down went viral yesterday.

The footage, captured on a doorbell camera and originally shared by Reform UK councillor George Madgwick, shows two council workers removing the flag from the balcony of a social housing block.

Political figures including Nigel Farage and Suella Braverman criticised the decision, particularly as it came the day before England face Argentina in the FIFA 2026 World Cup.

Braverman, Reform UK’s MP for Fareham and Waterlooville, wrote an open letter to Liberal Democrat council leader Steve Pitt arguing that the flag is a “symbol of national pride that everyone, no matter their political persuasion should be getting behind”.

“The whole of Portsmouth should be decked out in England flags as we support the boys in their quest to being it home. I urge you to reverse this decision and ensure Pompey is a sea of Saint George’s crosses ahead of tomorrow’s game”.

A Portsmouth City Council spokesperson said: “We understand residents want to show their support for England, and we’re pleased to see the community getting behind the team.

“However, our fire safety policy, reinforced by Hampshire Fire & Rescue and the Fire Safety Act, requires communal balconies to be kept clear of anything that could catch fire, spread fire, or block safe access. This applies to all items placed on balconies, including flags and banners.

“We have consulted with Hampshire Fire & Rescue, and they agree with our approach to keeping communal balconies clear in the interests of fire safety.

“Residents are welcome to display flags inside their homes, such as in a window, where they can still show their support while helping to keep everyone safe.”

Cllr Steve Pitt said the incident “has nothing to do with flags” or “football” or “patriotism”.

“It is a safety policy to keep people safe from fire risk full stop.

“Of course the council, the whole city, is behind the England team and we want them to win this evening and on Sunday but that’s got nothing to do with this.”

Charles Dickens ward councillor Cal Corkery condemned the abuse directed at the council staff shown in the video.

“I believe council tenants should be allowed to display England flags from the balconies of their blocks, and I have previously sought to amend the policy to remove the current zero-tolerance approach.

“That said, the policy remains in place, and council staff are simply carrying out decisions that have been made. To see them subjected to scores of threats, including calls for violence, for doing their jobs is absolutely disgraceful and completely unacceptable.”

The row follows a similar controversy last Christmas, when the council faced backlash after a tenant received a letter instructing them to remove a wreath from their front door or face its removal, with a £25 fee to reclaim it.

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