Labour minister sparks fury by telling council to tear down ‘unsettling, intimidating and othering’ flags

A Labour minister has sparked fury after telling a London council to take down local Union Jack flags.

Sarah Sackman, the MP for Finchley and Golders Green, branded the symbol as "unsettling, intimidating and othering".

She claimed the national flag was hoisted on several public lampposts without permission last September, where they remained during King Charles' visit to the area and during the World Cup period.

Writing for the Barnet Post, Ms Sackman urged Barnet Council to remove them, claiming "it is now time for them to come down".

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She penned: "Those who live and spend time in Temple Fortune and Golders Green will know that St George’s and Union Jacks were hoisted on public lamp posts, without permission, long before the World Cup. It is now time for them to come down.

"Since September, huge numbers of flags have appeared on public property across Barnet.

"For many in our community, these flags are not symbols of national pride, but rather sources of division and intimidation.

"I have heard from many residents who are concerned about the presence of these flags."

The Labour MP continued: "Several have described them as unsettling, intimidating, and othering - something we cannot ignore.

"In a diverse and inclusive community like ours, no one should feel unwelcome.

"Given the national context, it is no surprise that residents feel this way.

"The raising of these flags in Temple Fortune did not happen in a vacuum."

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She added that she had been "proud" to fly the flag in her government office during a recent visit by King Charles and when England were in the World Cup.

Ms Sackman wrote: "During times of national celebration or mourning, our flag should represent pride in being British.

"A Britishness that is inclusive and welcoming, not exclusive and hostile."

"Our residents deserve better. People are entitled to fly any flags they wish on their own property, but our public spaces must belong to everyone."

Her comments have sparked fury amongst many residents and opposition MPs.

Nick Timothy, the Shadow Justice Secretary, wrote on X: "I will never understand those who see our flag as a sign of oppression and exclusion.

"I see it as a symbol of unity - and great pride. This is a Labour Justice Minister."

Fellow Tory MP, David Wolfson, who serves as Shadow Attorney General, added: "There’s of course an issue about putting up (any) flags on public property without permission.

"But a British Justice Minister saying it is ‘no surprise’ that people find the Union Jack ‘unsettling, intimidating and othering’? I find that rather unsettling."

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