Portsmouth City Council has removed a St. George's flag from the balcony of a flat, citing fire safety regulations ahead of England's World Cup semi-final match against Argentina. The action, captured on doorbell footage and shared online by Reform Councillor George Madgwick, shows two council workers taking down the flag from a residential balcony.
The incident has drawn criticism, with Madgwick describing it as "shocking." Reform MP Suella Braverman has called for the leader of Portsmouth City Council, Steve Pitt, to investigate the matter and halt such removals. Braverman stated that flying the English flag is a "symbol of pride" and questioned why "no other country in the world would be taking down its own national flag."
Portsmouth City Council defended its decision, asserting that the flag was removed to comply with their fire safety policy. The council's policy, reinforced by Hampshire Fire & Rescue and the Fire Safety Act, requires communal balconies to be kept clear of items that could catch fire, spread fire, or block safe access. The council noted that residents are permitted to display flags inside their homes, such as in a window.
Councillor Madgwick argued that there was "no real safety or fire risk" in displaying the flag and suggested that council officers should have used discretion to allow it to remain until the World Cup concluded. He also called for an apology and for the flag to be reinstated.
This incident follows a similar event last summer when Portsmouth City Council removed English cross markings from buildings and roads, citing property damage and unauthorized graffiti. In Bristol, a Green Party-led council advised against flying England flags on public property for the World Cup, though residents reportedly disregarded the guidance.