Flag flying policy formally challenged in Leicestershire

Reform's decision to enforce a new flag flying policy which would not allow for Pride Flags, among many others, has been formally challenged by opposition parties and questioned by members of staff. Reform UK who now lead Leicestershire County Council approved the protocol during its first cabinet meeting on 12th June, and discontinued a previously agreed schedule of flags to be displayed outside County Hall in Glenfield, including those to mark LGBTQ+ Pride Month, Windrush Day and other cultural and historical celebrations.

Under the new rules, Council leader Dan Harrison, said the union jack flag and the county council's own flag would fly permanently on flagpoles outside County Hall. The St George's flag would fly from another pole, except on occasions when it will be replaced with the Lord Lieutenant's flag when they are in the building. A fourth flagpole in County Hall's quadrangle could be used to mark events such as Armed Forces Day, Commonwealth Day and Armistice Day. Any other flags flown will need to be delegated to council chief executive John Sinnott after discussion with Harrison.

Opposition leaders, however, have said that this protocol has not been “thought through properly”, and the decision should be given further scrutiny. Conservative leader of the opposition, Deborah Taylor said: “The flags are flown in the inner quadrangle, which only staff can see, it's not a public flag, it's for the staff that work here. I don't see how changing that is going to benefit anyone. It's just going to make staff feel very insecure and unsafe working at the county council.”

The decision from Reform also prompted a joint letter from representatives of LGBTQ+, disabled and BAME staff who said they had not been properly consulted on the change.

One member of staff, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisals, said they feel like “in many ways [they are] back in the closet

“This is a sign that I am ‘different’ and my family is ‘different’. We can get on with our lives, but we need to keep it to ourselves.

“I joined the council because I could be myself at work and not spend energy on hiding parts of myself and my family. It meant I could focus on my job and do my best for the people of Leicestershire.

“By not flying the rainbow flag, the council is saying: ‘It’s not safe to be yourself, you’re not welcome here.”