Lib Dem council removes England flags from balconies ahead of World Cup semi-final with Argentina over 'fire safety rules'

By SHANNON MCGUIGAN, NEWS REPORTER Published: 15:28, 15 July 2026 | Updated: 15:55, 15 July 2026 A Liberal Democrat council removed a St George's flag from outside a flat ahead of tonight's semi-final clash between England and Argentina due to fire safety rules. Doorbell footage, shared online by Reform Councillor George Madgwick, shows two Portsmouth City Council workers emerging onto a balcony outside a flat. The duo, both wearing fluorescent backpacks, unfurl the English flag facing a car park in the Charles Dickens ward of the port city. Then, one of the pair pulls out what appears to be a pocket knife from a small bag to free the flag from the railings before walking away with it in hand. The clip has been met with outrage online, with Mr Madgwick describing it as 'shocking'. Meanwhile, Reform MP Suella Braverman called for the leader of Portsmouth City Council, Steve Pitt, to investigate the matter and to bring the flag removal to a stop. The local authority has since defended the move, adding that the flag was taken down to comply with their fire safety policy. Previous council advice states that residents 'are free to hang flags responsibly on their own property'. Elsewhere in Downing Street, several St George's Cross flags as well as bunting could be seen on Monday, in a similar vein to the famed Kirby Estate in London.  Doorbell footage, shared online by Reform Councillor George Madgwick, shows two Portsmouth City Council workers emerging onto a balcony outside someone's flat  One of the pair pulled out what appears to be a pocket knife from a small bag to free the railings before walking away with it in hand Madgwick described the incident as 'shocking' while Suella Braverman has called on Portsmouth City Council to prove the matter. The local authority say it was removed to comply with fire safety policies In her letter, calling for a probe into the incident, Ms Braverman said: 'Rightly, people are excited ahead of tomorrow's historic semi-final between England and Argentina. 'Flying the English flag to support the national side is a symbol of pride that everyone, no matter what their political persuasion, should be getting behind. 'No other country in the world would be taking down its own national flag.' Branding the move as 'surprising', she noted that the Royal Navy calls the city home and that HMS Victory is also docked there. 'It is where in 1982, a Royal Task Force set off from to liberate the Falkland Islands from an occupying junta.' Meanwhile, Mr Madgwick claimed there is 'no real safety or fire risk' with hanging the flags on a steel bar or concrete. 'The resident is clearly proud to support their country for the World Cup and displayed the flag for just a few weeks,' he said. 'Officers and the council should have been sensible and used their discretion to allow it to remain until the conclusion of the World Cup in several days. 'Personally, I believe the council should apologise and replace it, in its prior position, until the World Cup has ended.' Last summer, Portsmouth City Council removed English cross markings from buildings and roads. At the time, they cited property damage, unauthorised graffiti, as well as worries that the markings were in support of the controversial Raise the Colours campaign. Elsewhere in Bristol, locals have been told not to fly England flags on public property for the World Cup by the city's Green Party-led council. However, those living on Torrington Avenue, known for flying the St George's cross during football tournaments, ignored the council and adorned their street with flags. A Portsmouth City Council spokesperson said: '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, reinforced by Hampshire Fire & Rescue and the Fire Safety Act, requires communal balconies on our buildings 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. 'We have consulted with Hampshire Fire & Rescue, and they agree with our approach to keeping communal balconies clear in the interests of fire safety. 'Residents are welcome to display flags inside their homes, such as in a window, where they can still show their support while helping to keep everyone safe.'