Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins calls for views on Saint George and Union Jack flags across the borough – following concerns about promoting far-right political parties

The campaign that saw Saint George and Union Jack flags appear across Chesterfield began last summer.

Chesterfield Stand Up to Racism group dubbed it a symbol of 'division and oppression,' but Peter Ireson and Glen Hardy who helped to start the emergence of flags in the area, which began in Brimington and Old Whittington, said the campaign was partly to support war veterans.

Mr Perkins is now asking for views after being contacted by many constituents regarding the installation of union flags and those promoting the far-right political party, Restore, on lampposts in Hasland and Dunston without local authority permission.

He said: “Constituents are also concerned that many of the older flags that were erected last summer are now in poor condition. The large union flag on the former North East Derbyshire District Council building is now red, white and purple, due to the effects of the midday sun!

“A number of residents feel these flags are making parts of the town look untidy, and some worry they may be affecting property values or discouraging visitors.”

Property developer and founder of the Fly the Flag campaign James Holmes, added a huge St George’s Cross flag to accompany a Union Jack flag on the front of the former council offices at Saltergate in April.

Mr Holmes is also displaying signs for Restore, without planning consent.

Mr Perkins said: “I have also heard from people visiting the area who said the displays made them feel uncomfortable and saying they will not be shopping here again. I am also conscious that I have heard from many people, including people of colour who are concerned about the motivations behind the Fly the Flag campaign and its impact on how welcoming Chesterfield appears and making them feel unsafe in their own town. They have reported to me that casual racism has increased since the displays began last year."

He added: “Whilst the vast majority of people who support the flags on lampposts would not condone racism in any form, has the flag display emboldened some to say unacceptable things they would not have voiced before?

"I am also conscious that at the time of the original erection of these flags there were many people who liked the display of patriotism. But as political parties now also try and get in on the act, is it time for the council to restore order to our lampposts? Should the flags continue to flutter no matter how tattered or varied they become? It is clear this issue has divided opinion.”

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