Reform-led council's flag policy voted through

A council has voted through changes that mean a number of flags, including the Pride flag, will no longer be flown over Lancashire County Council buildings.

Councillors voted to restrict those flown to national, county, royal, military and commonwealth flags only in a debate at County Hall in Preston.

The ruling Reform UK group told a meeting on Thursday that flags are a way of promoting shared identity and "individual political causes should not take precedence".

But Independent county councillor Michael Lavalette accused the party of "trying to divide our community".

Reform UK took charge of the council in 2025, and cabinet member for education and skills Matthew Salter said the flag policy was a matter of promoting "shared identity".

He said: "We are all Lancastrians – whatever our particular characteristics, whatever someone's sexuality, ethnic background, religion – whatever else is true of us as individuals.

"We can all come together to celebrate Lancashire and to celebrate the flags of our nation."

Reform councillor Joshua Roberts, who put the motion forward, said: "Inclusivity isn't measured by the number of flags flown, it's reflected in our policies, services and engagement.

"The flag policy is about civic neutrality and unity – not exclusion."

Currently the flag of England, the St. George's Cross, the Commonwealth flag, Armed Forces flag and Merchant Navy red ensign all fly over council buildings on or around the individual national days dedicated to those places and institutions.

The Pride flag is flown on the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia on 17 May.

Mr Lavalette said the leading Reform group was "engaging in posture politics".

He said: "You're talking to an audience out there that you think want to hear about flags and the range of flags that people fly when actually they don't."

Leader of the opposition group, Independent councillor Azhar Ali, said "the list goes on and on" when considering other issues the authority should be looking at, including "the financial position, treasury management, SEND, adult social care, working with the ICB, potholes".

"The first opportunity for Reform to put forward some motions, and it's flags," he said.

"You shame yourself and you shame this county and you haven't even got the guts to say 'I don't believe in that flag'," Liberal Democrat councillor, John Potter, told the meeting.

"You're supposed to be the free speech warriors talking truth to power, yet you try this nonsense."

Roberts said the council "continues to support diverse communities through funding, outreach and representation".

"This policy simply ensures that public buildings reflect shared civic identity, celebrating our local and national identity and acknowledging the important role…our armed forces play in the safety of our country," he said.

The final decision will be taken by cabinet at a later date after the motion was passed by a majority, with all opposition groups voting against it.

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