The council workers were caught on a doorbell removing the flag (Image: GeorgeUK/X)
Residents have been left furious after council workers were seen removing England flags from balconies ahead of the England semi-final versus Argentina.
The flags were removed by members of Portsmouth City Council on Tuesday, July 14, the day before the Three Lions take on the current world champions in a historical stand-off.
The homeowner has reported the two men to the police for theft of his flag, which the council claimed was a ‘fire risk’.
Doorbell footage posted online shows two workers in shorts and high-vis rucksacks arriving at the estate behind King’s Street in Portsmouth before getting rid of the flag.
One tells the other: “Yeah, it’s cable tied”. The second man then cuts the plastic fastenings with a knife before rolling up the flag and walking away.
Politicians have been left shocked by the removal of the flag. Reform UK Councilor George Madgwick told Metro: “I’m unaware if they gave a warning, however their standard practice is to send a letter with notice.
“Normally only a failure to comply results in removal and a fee for return
“The local residents believe it is theft and have reported it to the police. It was put up for the World Cup just a few weeks ago.”
He added: “The flag was attached to a steel bar hung over a concrete block. There is no real fire risk.
“The council need to have pride in our nation and its hopes for the World Cup and should have used their discretion to remove it after.
“The leader should support the England team and the excitement shared by local residents by instructing officers to be sensible and use their discretion to delay the removal of flags until the conclusion of the tournament.
“National pride is vital and positivity is needed right now and the removal of national flags sends the wrong negative message.”
Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman said she has written to the council leader urging him to investigate this and to stop taking down the England flag.
The resident has reported the individuals for theft (Image: GeorgeUK/X)
The letter reads: “Rightly people are excited ahead of tomorrow’s historic Semi Final between England and Argentina.
“Flying the English flag to support the national side is a symbol of pride that everyone, no matter their political persuasion should be getting behind. No other country in the world would be taking down its own national flag.”
Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, 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.”
The council claimed the flag was a fire risk (Image: GeorgeUK/X)
This is not the only area in the UK that has had flags taken down.
In Northwich street in Cheshire residents were ordered to take down their flags by Cheshire West Council just days ahead of the semi-final clash.
In a statement the council acknowledged that England flags represent “an important symbol of national identity, unity, and respect” however maintained that the unlawful fixing of flags to streetlights and road signs is “unacceptable” and a “risk to public safety”.
There are strict rules on how flags can be displayed and if these are broken Brits could be fined up to £2,500.
The displaying of the England flag to support the national team has become a complex issue this World Cup as many feel its association with far-right groups has tarnished its meaning.
However, others still want to display the white and red flag with pride as England continue to make history ahead of Wednesday’s Atlanta game and reiterate it is not a political symbol.