The newly elected administration of the political force “Reform UK” has decided to take down the Ukrainian flag from the facade of the Essex County Council building and replace it with another national flag of the United Kingdom. The Ukrainian flag had been displayed on this building since 2022, symbolizing the support of local residents for Ukraine amid the full-scale war.
This is reported by Finway
Official council position and community reaction
Council leader Peter Harris stated that the flag replacement does not signify a loss of support for Ukraine from the residents of Essex. According to him, consultations with representatives of the Ukrainian community in the region will take place before a new location for the Ukrainian flag is chosen. Harris emphasized that the assistance and support for Ukrainians, which has been provided since 2022, will continue.
“The replacement of the Ukrainian flag does not diminish the support and generosity that the residents of Essex have shown to the people of Ukraine since 2022, and I know that this will continue,” Harris said.
Official representatives of the council stressed that this step is related to the policies of the newly elected party. According to its decisions, only the national flag of the United Kingdom, national flags, county flags, or flags of the country’s armed forces may be displayed on buildings under the party’s control. This has become one of the first measures taken by the administration after winning the elections.
Criticism from the opposition
Opposition representative from the Conservatives, Lee Scott, expressed concern over the council’s decision. In his opinion, this could contribute to the spread of “pro-Kremlin” sentiments at the local level, and he described the act of removing the flag as “deeply disappointing” and sending a false signal to the public.
Scott emphasized that the abandonment of a symbol of solidarity with Ukraine at a critical moment for Europe could negatively affect the region’s position and set the residents in the wrong direction.
Journalists note that this is not the first similar action taken by the new administration — such actions have become part of the priority changes implemented by the “Reform UK” party after the elections.