One of our boldest ideas has well and truly taken wing, and it is already fluttering across English skies. Reform UK-controlled councils in England are preparing to act swiftly on a punchy proposal from the Great British PAC's populist policy platform.
Before long, the only flags permitted on council buildings across Reform UK-run areas will be the Union Jack, the St George's Cross and the relevant county flag. Almost everything else, from balconies to boardrooms, would be banned.
Naturally, our campaign carved out exceptions. The Royal Standard should be allowed to fly when the King or a member of the Royal Family visits the borough. So too should the regimental emblems of military units returning home from deployment, raised as a mark of respect and welcome for their service.
Outside those rare occasions, though, it is back to basics. No rainbow flags, no EU stars, no regional or political banners, just red, white and blue, and England's iconic red cross on white. Reform UK supporters are hailing the hard-line stance as a patriotic push to restore pride and unity.
As one council insider put it to The Conservative and Reformer Post: “The message is clear, no more political posturing with flags. We're flying our national colours, and that's it.”
Already being drafted into formal motions, the shake-up will cover flagpoles, reception desks, council chamber walls and any official premises. Staff have been warned that “unauthorised flags will not be tolerated”.
The Great British PAC, which has been making waves with a run of blunt, UK-first proposals, said the move was about “restoring common sense and national pride to local government”.
A Reform UK spokesman agreed: “These buildings are funded by the British taxpayer. They should reflect the nation, not niche agendas or foreign ideologies.”
Opposition voices, including Labour and the Liberal Democrats, branded the idea “petty and divisive” and claimed it shuts down the expression of diversity. Reform UK are not backing down, however, and the rules are expected to pass with ease in councils where the party holds sway.
With Reform snapping up more seats and influence at local level, do not be surprised if this red, white and blue policy lands on a town hall near you.
If you have a policy suggestion, put it on the Great British PAC's Policy Platform: www.PolicyPlatform.co.uk