By Alexander Brock

Copyright expressandstar

The appearance of the flags in neighbourhoods across the city has sparked an ongoing debate with those responsible describing it as a patriotic move to celebrate the country’s history and achievements.

But it has also sparked concern from anti-racism campaigners and others amid claims the flag campaign is politically-motivated and seeking to sow division.

Flags were spotted along Pershore Road in Stirchley on Thursday evening, September 25, with a group seen climbing ladders to attach them to lampposts.

But the flags disappeared as quickly as they arrived as another group of residents took them down later on that night.

By around 11pm, it appeared most of the flags in Stirchley had gone but some remained attached to lampposts further up Pershore Road towards Selly Park.

Coun Mary Locke, who represents the area, said yesterday she was “aware of the flags put up this evening” and had made relevant departments aware.

Stirchley is one of several areas in Birmingham where the Union and St George’s Cross flags have been attached to lampposts as part of a phenomenon which has fiercely divided opinion across the country.

Speaking to BBC Politics Midlands earlier this month, the Labour MP for Selly Oak and former Royal Marine Al Carns said he was proud of the flag he served under and “fringe groups” should not be allowed “to own that flag as a symbol of their politics”.

Instead, he said the nation should “drown that out by everyone being patriotic about the flag”.

The row was also recently brought into the city council chamber when Conservative councillor Ron Storer urged the authority’s Labour leadership to install British flags across the city.

During a meeting, Cabinet member councillor Jamie Tennant answered the first question about the flags by saying: “I’m proud of the flag, we fly it every day outside this council house.

“I’ve used it on my materials before. We have no problem with flying the flag.

“We have a policy around attachments to lampposts which is being undertaken.”

As Coun Storer asked his follow-up question, a number of fellow Conservative councillors began waving Union flags.

“Anyone who suggests flying our national flags is racist is themselves trying to be divisive,” he said.

“Does the cabinet member agree with me, so residents don’t need to put up their own flags, the council should put up our national flag in every high street, every council building so we can all share in the pride of our great nation and unite all residents under the flag?”

Coun Tennant responded: “As I previously said, we already fly the British flag outside our council house.”

Birmingham Conservatives have said that, if they gained control of the council in next year’s all-out elections, they would display British flags on all council buildings and high streets across the city.

Leader of the opposition, Coun Robert Alden, said, “Brummies have made it clear they want to see our flag flown proudly and that is why a Conservative council next year will ensure this happens without residents needing to put flags on lampposts themselves.”

A Birmingham City Council spokesperson said previously the local authority “recognises the importance of the Union flag and flag of St George as symbols of national pride”.

“Brummies are proud to be British and proud that this is a welcoming city celebrating many different cultures,” they said.

“When it comes to items attached to lampposts, it is normal council procedure for these to be removed on a regular basis, in line with our health and safety obligations.

“As has always been the case, people are free to fly or hang flags from their homes or gardens, but we ask they are not attached to street furniture.”