'Absolutely ludicrous!' Council jobsworths seen cutting down England flag with knife ahead of World Cup semi-final

Council workers have been caught cutting down an England flag with a knife on the eve of the World Cup semi-final.

Doorbell camera footage showed workers from Liberal Democrat-led Portsmouth City Council slashing down a St George's Cross outside a flat on Tuesday.

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

Portsmouth City Council has said the flags are at odds with the council's "fire safety policy".

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Reform UK councillors and MPs have now hit out at the removal, describing it as "ludicrous".

Emily Strudwick, the leader of Reform UK in Portsmouth, told GB News: "They're saying it's a fire risk. I'm sorry.

"It's on a concrete building on a steel pole backing into a car park. What risk is there? It's absolutely ludicrous."

Ms Strudwick said the council could have allowed the flag to fly during the World Cup and advise residents to remove the St George's Cross later.

She said: "It's only for a short time... If the World Cup happens every four years, allow them to fly the flag and use common sense and say: 'I'll tell you what, we don't allow it because of a fire risk. But once the World Cup is finished, could you please take it down?'

"And I'm sure there wouldn't be so much of a backlash, but no, they're just going down and cutting them down. It's theft."

Suella Braverman, Reform's Fareham and Waterlooville MP, said the removal of the flag was "ridiculous".

Mrs Braverman has now written to Portsmouth City Council leader Steve Pitt calling for an "urgent investigation" into the flag's removal.

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She said: "Flying the English flag to support the national side is a symbol of pride that everyone, no matter their political persuasion should be getting behind.

"No other country in the world would be taking down its own national flag."

Councillor George Madgwick, leader of Reform UK in Hampshire, shared the video on his social media, calling it "shocking".

The council leader warned, however, that communal balconies must be kept clear.

Mr Pitt told The Telegraph: "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 and Rescue and the Fire Safety Act, 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.

"We have consulted with Hampshire Fire and 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."

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