There’s been a lot of discussion recently about flags in York. I fully support people showing pride in our country, whether during sporting events, national commemorations, or at any time. But the way flags are displayed matters.
Recently, flags have appeared across York on lampposts, roundabouts, and even painted on roads. As the Labour MP for York Outer, I want to use this moment to encourage unity, protect the city’s character, and ensure public safety. Here are five principles I believe we should follow:
- Promote Dialogue, Not Division
Flags belong to everyone. Decisions about where and how they’re flown in public spaces should involve the whole community whether that is council, veterans, faith, and community groups. I also deplore any vandalism, or threatening behaviour in our city. Painting racist or xenophobic graffiti in our city, one of the most welcoming and tolerant places in the country, isn’t patriotism and never will be. It’s vandalism and cowardice.
- Safety First
Flags should never be painted on road surfaces like zebra crossings or roundabouts; this is a clear safety issue. Flag displays on public infrastructure, such as lampposts, should be coordinated by the council, with input from local community groups. People do have the right to fly flags on their own property, and I would never suggest otherwise. I would support the idea of Make it York and the Council coordinating the flying of more Union flags in York city centre proudly above our iconic cobbled streets – some of the most historic and beautiful in Britain.
- Respect Protocol and Support British-Made Flags
Union flags must be flown correctly, as they are demonstrated on public buildings and military bases like Queen Elizabeth Barracks that I’m proud to have in my constituency in Strensall. I have been told that some Union flags have been flown upside down and this is not acceptable. Where possible, flags should be made in Britain, not imported from countries like China, to support British businesses.
- Celebrate York’s Diversity
York is home to many communities. We should proudly fly the Union flag, St George’s Cross, Yorkshire flag, Ukraine flag (in solidarity), and the Pride flag (in support of LGBTQ+ rights). This should continue, and we should think about how, through flag-flying, we can show just how international York is as a city.
- Use Flags as an Educational Tool
Flags carry deep history. The Union flag tells a story of unity. St George was an immigrant who never visited England, for example, so there’s much we can learn from our symbols.
We all have different relationships with identity, nationality, and our place in the world. But I believe there are shared principles, that people across York can unite behind.
Patriotism isn’t just about symbols; it’s about how we treat one another, how we care for the places we’re proud to call home, and how we work together to make York the very best version of itself.
