Call for review of Reform UK's council flag policy
GettyAn opposition leader on Kirklees Council has urged its leadership team to "review" its latest policy on which flags can be flown on public buildings.
The Reform UK-led authority approved a move that meant only a limited range of designs could be flown. The new policy means the Pride flag, often considered a symbol of LGBTQ+ visibility, will not be on any town hall flagpoles.
Council leader Sarah Wood said the move was to "set out a clear approach across Kirklees".
In a letter to Wood, councillor Anthony Smith, leader of the Liberal Democrats, said Kirklees had "a proud civic tradition of inclusion, mutual respect, and celebrating the diverse communities that make up our towns and villages".
Smith said: "This isn't just about procedure; it is about our identity as an inclusive district.
"In previous years, Kirklees has proudly flown the RAF Ensign to remember our armed forces, the 999 Day flag to support frontline emergency workers, the Windrush flag to honour our African Caribbean community and the Pride flag to celebrate Huddersfield's pivotal historic role in hosting the first-ever national Pride march back in 1981.
"Our local Irish community has also proudly seen the Irish Tricolour and St Patrick's Saltire raised above Huddersfield Town Hall.
"Members of that community have contacted me in utter disbelief and hurt that this civic tradition is being cast aside without a single word of consultation."
His party has lodged a formal 'call-in' asking for the policy to be paused and reviewed.
Smith added: "The Liberal Democrats have called in this decision because we will not stand by while the administration picks ideological fights instead of getting on with the job of running the council."
The policy was also criticised by Andrew Cooper, leader of the Green Party opposition, who said it was a "divisive and unnecessary diversion".
When asked to respond to Cooper's comments, Wood said: "The policy is in line with what our voters have told us they want and I have nothing further to add."
Councillor Wood has since been contacted by the Local Democracy Reporting Service for further comment.
The new policy means that "only the Union Flag, Flag of St George, Civic Flag and specific flags associated with 'named days' set out in the policy will be permitted".
The "named days" are:
- Yorkshire Day
- Armed Forces Day
- Merchant Navy Day
- Commonwealth Day
- National 999 Emergency Services Day
- Remembrance Sunday
- Holocaust Memorial Day
It echoes similar policies brought in at other Reform-led authorities, including Calderdale Council and Wakefield Council.
Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
