England flags out on 'country's most patriotic street' after council told residents not to fly them 'because it intimidates migrants' during World Cup

By MATT STRUDWICK, SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Published: 15:08, 22 June 2026 | Updated: 15:28, 22 June 2026 England flags are flying again on 'the country's most patriotic street' despite a council telling residents not to 'because of health and safety'.  Families had been told by Bristol City Council not to attach them to lampposts or signs and to only display the St George's Cross 'in your home'. The demand sparked fury with football fans wanting to proudly wave the flag during the World Cup in a show of support for Thomas Tuchel's Three Lions.  But they have been unfurled again in Torrington Avenue in an apparent act of defiance following England's barnstorming 4-2 win over Croatia in the Group L opener.  The flags are now fluttering across the length of the road with the St George's crosses stretching over the street from one house to another.   The street had already attracted national attention after footage emerged showing no flags on display before the tournament began. The video prompted some social media users to claim it had been generated by artificial intelligence, although it was later confirmed the footage was genuine.  Bristol City Council leader Tony Dyer had told locals they could not 'fly flags on lampposts or railings or any public property' because of 'health and safety issues'. Locals have displayed England flags in Torrington Avenue, Bristol, despite the council telling residents not to The flags are now fluttering across the length of the road with the St George's crosses stretching over the street from one house to another He encouraged anyone who spots any flags on public property to report them to the council, adding that officials were already 'taking down flags in sensitive locations as a priority and will be reviewing our strategy for removing other flags on our property'. Torrington Avenue in the city's Knowle West area was previously dubbed one of England's most patriotic streets after all 88 houses displayed the flag for Euro 2020.  Many people on social media have now celebrated the renewed display of patriotism. One local said: 'Just love seeing this beautiful sight. A great community coming together.' Another added: 'For the World Cup, it's all good. When it's done to scare and threaten people, it's another thing. 'There's nuance and context. Supporting the football team and being a flag shagger are two different things.' But not everyone shared the enthusiasm. Writing on X, former Bristol mayor George Ferguson called the scene 'chilling'. Ferguson said: 'It's not true patriotism but a deliberate intimidation of minorities. Our national flag has, under the guise of supporting England, been captured by those seeking to spread fear.' And another local agreed, adding: 'I am British. I am not proud of it. I hate the flags and the racist connotations involved. It's horrendous.' The ban had led Reform UK leader Nigel Farage to say that anyone flying an England flag outside their home was 'now intimidating migrants, according to our political class'.  Shadow home secretary Chris Philp told the Daily Mail at the time: 'This is outrageous. Patriotic British citizens should be allowed to display national flags, whether the St George's Cross, Saltire or Union Jack - at times like these. 'Woke councils should stop being ashamed of our national identity and culture, and start celebrating it instead. I'm proud of our national identity. We all should be - and times like the World Cup is a good time to display it.' It comes after immigration officers were told that wearing England badges during the World Cup could intimidate detained migrants. Mr Dyer had said: 'The football World Cup is a moment when people across Bristol, and around the world, come together to celebrate national identity, culture and heritage. Many people on social media have now celebrated the renewed display of patriotism. One local said: 'Just love seeing this beautiful sight. A great community coming together' 'I look forward to seeing the usual colour and pride across our city as residents support England, Scotland and many other nations competing in the tournament, and I welcome that spirit of celebration. 'Over the years, we have become accustomed to seeing flags from countries across the globe displayed from homes, cars and local businesses during major tournaments. 'That visible show of support, a sea of colour across our neighbourhoods, is part of what makes events like the World Cup so special. It reflects the diversity of our city and the shared excitement that brings communities together, whether people are following their home nation or simply enjoying the occasion. 'If you want to display your team's flag, please put it up in your own home. What people cannot do is fly flags on lampposts or railings or any public property. Please do not attach anything to lampposts – it causes health and safety issues. 'If people see flags on public property they can report them through FixMyStreet. We are taking down flags in sensitive locations as a priority and will be reviewing our strategy for removing other flags on our property. 'The World Cup should be a positive moment for our city, and we want people to enjoy supporting their teams. By celebrating responsibly and being mindful of others, we can ensure that Bristol remains welcoming, respectful and safe for everyone during the tournament.' Bristol City Council has been approached for a comment. 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