Council staff branded 'absolutely shameful' after cutting down England flag from resident's balcony: 'No common sense!'

Staff at Portsmouth Council have been branded "absolutely shameful" after being caught cutting down a resident's England flag from their balcony.

Speaking to GB News, leader of Hampshire County Council and member of Portsmouth City Council George Madgwick hit out at the two council workers for displaying "no common sense".

In footage posted online, two Portsmouth Council workers were caught cutting down a St George's flag from the balcony of a resident.

The two men first attempted to untie the flag from the rail, with one resorting to taking a knife out of his bag and cutting down the flag instead.

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Reacting to the footage, Mr Madgwick argued that GB News viewers will be "just as shocked as he is" in discovering this incident.

The Reform UK Councillor said: "I'm sure all the people listening and watching this show are as shocked as myself and you are in relation to this.

"I got sent this footage early yesterday morning, just an hour after that it happened, and the resident was absolutely shocked and appalled by what they witnessed."

Taking issue with the council's reasoning for the removal, Mr Madgwick declared that the flag posing a "fire risk" is "ridiculous".

Mr Madgwick said: "Let's be honest, if you've seen the footage, the flag was attached to a still pole over concrete in a first-storey building of a three-storey concrete block.

"It's not a fire hazard in any capacity, but that's the excuse they're giving. It's absolutely shameful and it shows a lack of common sense."

The councillor also raised concerns for the staff member who appeared to be carrying a knife, which was used to remove the flag.

He argued: "A few people have raised this and one of my colleagues in the council has raised this as a concern, just to get confirmation about why an officer is walking around with a knife, and what training and equally what risk assessment has been done in relation to that.

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"Because it does seem rather strange that an officer is walking around with a knife. But as I say, I'm sure that he's done it as part of his job, but we need to make sure that that is the case."

Host Martin Daubney highlighted that the council is Lib Dem-led, and questioned why the party appears to "have a problem" with the English flag.

Mr Madgwick responded: "They've got a real problem with it and you may remember that we spoke back at Christmas last year because Portsmouth City Council were also removing Christmas wreaths off of doors, which was another shocking incident.

"I don't know what the issue is, and Portsmouth City Council last year removed England flags and replaced them with the tricolour rainbow flag, and that was an outrage as well.

"I don't know what it is about these Liberal Democrat or left-leaning councils that just kind of destroys their patriotic beliefs and why they feel they should do this. The timing of this is appalling and I'm sorry, but using the excuse of fire safety is appalling."

Councillor Steve Pitt, leader of Portsmouth City Council, told GB News: "We understand residents want to show their support for England and we're pleased to see the community getting behind the team.

"However, our fire safety policy requires communal balconies to be kept clear of anything that could catch fire, spread fire or block safe access. This applies to all items placed on balconies, including flags and banners.

"Residents are welcome to display flags inside their home, such as in a window where they can still show their support while helping to keep everyone safe."

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