Bradford Council approves controversial new flag policy

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 8 Oct, 17:55 · Archive

Bradford Council has approved a new flag policy that restricts which flags can be flown from council flagpoles.

Bradford Council's Reform-led Executive has approved a controversial new flag policy affecting Centenary Square and five other council buildings in the district. The policy restricts flags that can be flown to a limited list, including the Union Flag, St George's flag, flags of local sports teams, and flags of UK countries to be flown during their respective Saint's Days. The policy also permits Yorkshire and Armed Forces flags.

The new policy replaces the previous arrangement, which allowed numerous flags to be flown, including Pride and Black History Month flags alongside flags of other countries. A Conservative motion to alter the existing policy was narrowly approved by the Full Council this summer, and members voted in August to reduce the number of flags permitted.

One Reform UK councillor said the new policy would 'promote patriotism' in the district. However, an opposition councillor argued it would send a message to some of Bradford's communities that they are 'not welcome'. The Executive approved an amended version of what had been voted on at Full Council, with the Council Leader now able to decide whether to add further flags to the approved list. The policy applies to Centenary Square, City Hall and town halls in Bingley, Ilkley, Keighley and Shipley.

Bradford Council approves controversial new flag policy — Image: BBC Leeds And West Yorkshire

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How it is being reported

Flag policy 'will promote patriotism' - councillorOnly a limited number of flags including the Union and St George's flags can be flown.BBC Leeds And West Yorkshire · 8 Oct, 17:58
New flag policy that Reform says will 'promote patriotism' in district approvedThe new policy, approved by the Reform-led Executive on Thursday morning, will mean only a limited number of flags can be flown on the flagpoles in Centenary SquareKeighley News · 8 Oct, 17:37
New flag policy that Reform says will 'promote patriotism' in Bradford approvedThe new policy, approved by the Reform-led Executive on Thursday morning, will mean only a limited number of flags can be flown on the flagpoles in Centenary SquareTelegraph & Argus · 8 Oct, 15:25

In this story: Bradford Council · Reform UK · Centenary Square · Bradford

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