Hampshire police and councils in talks about how to best deal with flags across county
It follows complaints from residents and business owners in Portsmouth
Last updated 16th Sep 2025
Hampshire's Police and Crime Commissioner's been telling us she's in talks with local councils on how to best deal with flags across the county.
It follows complaints from residents and business owners in Portsmouth about not seeing a response from police or the council.
PCC Donna Jones tells us councils will only be removing them if they breach highway laws.
She said: "People have a right to be able to fly flags if they want to, to show patriotism.
"What I do think, however, is what's underlying this?
"What's making people feel that they need to fly a flag to show that they have core British values?
"Or that they feel the need to do that?
"I think there is a wider issue that the government really need to be looking at, but the councils in the area have taken a pragmatic decision to not overtly take down any flags.
"Clearly, if there are things painted on zebra crossings or roundabouts, then that is a breach of the public highway and department for transport's guidance.
"They do need to address those things, but in terms of flags on lampposts, actually, if that's what people want to do to show their patriotism, the council isn't going to be taking any action against them."