Council to remove England flags painted on Portsmouth roads

As part of a national trend, St George’s Cross has been spray painted in locations across the city, including on roundabouts and roadmarkings in Hilsea and Southsea.

Additionally, the Union Jack has been hoisted on lamp posts in areas including Fratton and Old Portsmouth.

Infrastructure contractor Colas is responsible for maintaining the city’s highways after entering into a private finance initiative with Portsmouth City Council – the highways authority.

A council spokesperson said: “As part of our ongoing commitment to keeping Portsmouth’s roads safe and well-managed, our partner, Colas, are removing unauthorised road markings in line with national traffic regulations and our standard approach to addressing issues on the road network.”

Flags have begun appearing at the same time as a series of recent protests outside hotels housing asylum seekers. The trend, driven by social media, is thought to have started with the Birmingham-based group Weoley Warriors, and other groups are now urging more people to put up flags.

The move follows rising tensions, with anti-asylum protests taking place across the country and anti-migrant demonstrations in Hampshire.

The flag displays mirror a wider national pattern – viewed by some as a show of patriotism, but by others as connected to far-right groups.

Councils across England have also addressed the issue. York Council said it would not remove flags displayed on flagpoles despite raising “serious” safety concerns.

In Staffordshire, the council said it could not condone England flags being spray painted on road markings, warning they pose safety and insurance risks.