THE HARLOW Labour group has issued a statement following the Tory-led council’s decision to allow flags of St George to be attached to lampposts across Harlow.

It is understood that the flags are part of a campaign called Operation Raise The Colours. A campaign that is set to culminate in a large demonstration in London on September 13th.

A spokespersons for Harlow Labour said:

“We ask Councillor Swords three questions. 

1) Why is he supporting the movement to put up flags of St. George on Council property at this time. Is it really a show of national pride or is it a crude and hollow attempt at copying Kemi Badenoch’s chasing of Reform voters by encouraging hatred of migrants?

2) We would also like to know what he intends to do when the flags become frayed and bedraggled over time. Will Council tax money be spent on maintaining or removing them?

3) Are other groups to be encouraged by the Council to paint roundabouts and hang flags from lamp-posts?

The Labour party recognises the frustration local people feel about the use of hotels to house migrants.
We see hypocritical Conservative shadow ministers whipping up an anti-immigrant frenzy when it was their party in government that encouraged and escalated the use of hotels to number over 400 across the country. 

This is a problem caused by the Conservative government’s failure to process claims quickly enough, preventing genuine refugees from starting work and contributing to our society, whilst also delaying the swift deportation of those without a legitimate claim. 

“That is why the Labour government has invested in additional staff to speed asylum claims up, reduced the numbers of hotels used to around 200 and pledged to cease using hotels by 2029”

The deputy leader of the Harlow Labour group, Lanie Shears was a little bit more direct. Her message on X was as follows: