Police have been compelled to challenge a stinging rebuke to on-line chatter spreading rumours officers have been seen taking down a British flag flying from a lamppost. Cumbria Police responded with a press release on X after photos circulated on-line appeared to point out a police officer on a cherry picker finishing up work close to a Union Jack fluttering from a road mild in Barrow, Cumbria.
Native councils and campaigners have clashed in current weeks, with some native authorities taking down England and UK flags put up as a part of a nationwide marketing campaign. One put up of a photograph of Cumbria Law enforcement officials shared on X, which garnered two million views, appeared to suggest that police might also be eradicating the banners, with a caption that learn “no time to analyze automotive crime or burglaries although”. Responding to the put up, one particular person stated “Why are the police doing the job of council employees?”, whereas one other added: “Which police drive is so pathetic?”
Nonetheless, clearing up the misinformation, Cumbria Police stated in a press release: “We’re conscious of some on-line rumours, to make clear, no flags have been harmed through the CCTV set up.
The drive added: “The picture exhibits officers becoming a digicam at an area church after vandalism studies. The flag stayed put.
“Please share to assist cease misinformation and maintain the details flying excessive.”
Nationwide flags have been erected in cities and cities throughout the UK this summer season, with massive numbers in Birmingham, the Midlands, London and throughout the UK. The banners have been put up by organisers who say it’s a part of “Operation Increase the Colors”, a nationwide marketing campaign to advertise pleasure in Britain. The initiative has additionally unfold to portray mini-roundabouts and pedestrian crossings in nationwide colors.
The marketing campaign has gained cross-party help from each the Conservatives and Labour, with Downing Avenue backing the precise of individuals to fly their nationwide flag. Reform UK has additionally vocally supported the scheme.
Elon Musk even threw his appreciable on-line weight behind the initiative. The South African tech billionaire, 54, who has paternal English family from Liverpool, shared an image of the St George’s flag on his social media profile, which has greater than 224 million followers.
He then reposted a point out from information website Visegrád 24, which captioned his earlier flag put up with the phrases “Operation Increase the Colors has reached America”
Some quarters have raised considerations the flag flying could possibly be linked to far-right ideology and be a part of a wave of anti-migrant demonstrations sweeping the nation. A variety of native councils have sparked controversy after deciding to take down the flags from lampposts citing “well being and security” considerations.
Durham County Council issued a press release in regards to the current improve within the variety of Union flags and St George’s Cross shows. The Reform-led council stated that whereas it understood and revered folks’s need to show nationwide pleasure, public security shouldn’t be compromised.
It can take a “risk-based strategy” and it’ll take away flags the place they pose a hazard to street customers, impede visibility for drivers or pedestrians, or if they’re poorly secured.
