Council denies request to fly Ukraine flag

A Reform UK-run council has refused to make an exception to its flag policy by flying Ukraine's flag for one day, despite an opposition request.

North Northamptonshire Council decided to stop flying non-UK national flags in June 2025, which also included a ban on the rainbow flag that illustrates support for the LGBTQ+ community.

The Conservative opposition asked for an exception to be made to allow Ukraine's flag to be flown from the authority's buildings to mark the country's independence day, on 24 August.

However, Reform's cabinet member for regulatory services, Kirk Harrison, said while it was "a worthy cause... we should not depart from policy for political requests".

The Conservative opposition put forward its motion on flags at full council on Thursday, to show "solidarity and continued commitment" to the Ukrainian people.

Helen Harrison, group leader of the Conservatives, said it was not intended to be a "hostile motion" or an attack on Reform's policy, but she hoped it would be a chance for parties to come together and show their support, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The motion was also supported by Green party leader Emily Fedorowycz, while Labour's William Colquhoun asked the administration to "show a bit of flexibility and a bit of acceptance of other people within your flag policy".

Reform's Chris Munday said: "The question before us tonight is not whether we support Ukraine, because we do, the question is whether the council should make an exception to its current flag policy.

"The council has a flag policy for a reason; it gives us a clear and consistent approach. Once we make an exception, it becomes harder to refuse future requests."

The motion was denied.