Merton Green Party is deeply concerned about the appearance of Union Flags and St George’s Flags on numerous lampposts in the borough, and extremely disappointed by the Council’s response.

Firstly, the flags were not put up by the Council or Transport for London, and are, therefore, a breach of the Highways Act.

Secondly, in the context of the recent pernicious scapegoating of immigrants (particularly asylum seekers and refugees), these flags are not a benign presence or a celebration of national success. Rather, they are a form of territory marking by people whose idea of what it means to be British or English excludes those who were born abroad and those with family roots in other countries – especially those from the global majority. As such, they are intimidating and divisive, and should not be tolerated.

We are dismayed that Merton Labour have chosen to not use their power to order the removal of the flags. Taking down the flags would be an assurance that racism and xenophobia is finally challenged, after a discreditable period of Labour procrastination.