Uproar in England as local councils urge people against flying English flags in public

A ban on England flags on public property in Bristol has triggered backlash ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

By Ajay Halder

New Delhi, June 18: Residents of Bristol in England are up in arms over a ruling by the local city council that has forbidden the display of English flags on public property during the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026.

According to a statement by Bristol City Council’s Green leader Tony Dyer, people have been forbidden from flying flags “on lampposts or railings or any public property”.

"Please do not attach anything to lampposts – it causes health and safety issues. We are currently taking down flags in sensitive locations as a priority and will be reviewing our strategy for removing other flags on our property,” Dyer was quoted as saying in an appeal to

local residents.

England flags displayed during a football tournament as councils in Bristol and South Gloucestershire restrict public property decorations. (Image Source: Unsplash)

"The World Cup should be a positive moment for our city, and we want people to enjoy supporting their teams. By celebrating responsibly and being mindful of others, we can ensure that Bristol remains welcoming, respectful and safe for everyone during the tournament,” the statement added.

The decision by the Bristol City Council was met with dismay by the local community.

"You ain't got that World Cup feeling no more. Before, I just looked forward to the games more and everything like that because you see the passion. Now you don't see much of that passion. Everything's died. The thing is that people are scared now. People are worried to fly their own flag in their own country. That should not happen. It shouldn't happen anywhere in any country, ” a local resident was quoted as saying by the media.

Another resident said, "you imagine the kids growing up at the moment who (have) seen it previously the last 4 years and years before, they've seen this street decorated with flags and banners and everything, and they said that we can't do it. "

However, the Bristol City Council is not the only local authority in the UK to rule out England flags on public property. The South Gloucestershire Council has also made a similar announcement.

“Attaching flags, banners, or any other items to highway infrastructure such as lampposts, traffic signs or street furniture is not permitted without authorisation and may constitute a criminal offence," the council said in a statement.

Former Health Secretary Wes Streeting has spoken out against councils asking people not to fly the St George’s cross.

"We should be proud of it. I can’t understand why people want it taken down. With the World Cup coming up, isn’t this an opportunity for us to fly the flag for England and fly the flag for everyone to celebrate our country, what makes it great, to celebrate our national team,” he told the media.