A council who has offered support to staff who feel ‘unsettled’ by St George’s flags need to ‘get a grip’, its own deputy leader has said.
Bosses at Essex County Council sent an email around to workers addressing the increased number of England flags being raised across the country.
They urged employees to reach out, saying the flags may ‘evoke feelings of discomfort and be associated with anti-immigration rhetoric’.
‘We stand strongly against all types of racism and discrimination, and we are dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful setting for everyone,’ they stated.
Nonetheless, Conservative councillor Louise McKinlay, who is also running for mayor, criticized the statement as ‘absurd’ in a social media post.
She wrote: ‘Frankly, this is both wrong and bonkers in equal measures.
‘If you’re feeling “unsettled” by our nation’s flag, pour yourself a long drink, sit down and get a grip.’
Meanwhile, the leader of the council Kevin Bentley, said that the message was not discussed with the elected politicians before being sent out.
An email from Essex County Council leadership was circulated among employees, addressing the growing presence of England flags nationwide. Pictured are flags in Birmingham.
Pictured is Conservative councillor Louise McKinlay, also a mayoral candidate, who called the statement ‘absurd’ on social media.
He said according to EssexLive: ‘At no time was this discussed with politicians at Essex County Council, which has infuriated the leadership.
‘It is not the policy of the council.
‘We have made it clear that we endorse individuals who choose to display the two flags, and they will only be taken down if they pose a risk to drivers or pedestrians.’
An Essex County Council representative mentioned, ‘An email providing reassurance and a chance to access support was dispatched from Essex County Council’s children and families leadership team to their staff.’
‘Essex county council has many employees working with children and families in areas such as Epping, where there have been, and continue to be, high-profile protests as well as support for the current flag-flying campaign.
‘We support people’s right to fly the flag and we proudly fly the St George’s Cross outside County Hall, our headquarters in Chelmsford.’
An online campaign called Operation Raise the Colours has encouraged Brits to put up St George’s flags and Union Jacks across the country.
Red crosses have also been painted on mini roundabouts and signs.
Red crosses have also been painted on mini roundabouts and signs. Pictured: An mini roundabout in Birmingham
An online campaign called Operation Raise the Colours has encouraged Brits to put up St George’s flags and Union Jacks across the country. Pictured: A flag in Manchester
In Birmingham, the Labour-run council removed hundreds of the flags from lampposts and other street furniture, claiming it put the lives of pedestrians and motorists ‘at risk’.
Meanwhile, Tower Hamlets council run by Aspire in London, said it would remove any St George’s flag from council property ‘as soon as possible’.
Downing Street last month said the Prime Minister is ‘absolutely’ supportive of people who put up English flags.
Sir Keir Starmer’s official spokesman said: ‘I think the PM has always talked about his pride of being British, the patriotism he feels.
‘I think he’s talked about that previously… not least recently in relation to the Lionesses’ successful campaign in the Euros.
‘Patriotism will always be an important thing to him.’
