New Reform-led council at Essex remove Ukraine flag from county hall
News / Sat 16th May 2026 at 06:02am
A SECOND Union Flag has been raised outside of Essex County Council’s headquarters in Chelmsford, following control of the authority transferring to Reform UK after last week’s elections.
The move brings Essex County Council in line with Reform UK national policy, which only permits the Union, national, county or armed forces flags to fly at council buildings under its control.
Councillor Peter Harris, Leader of the Council’s Reform UK group and County Council Leader Elect, said: “Today we have raised a second Union Flag at County Hall in Chelsmford. It was a proud moment to see it flying high, representing all of the nations that make up our wonderful United Kingdom.”
The flag of Ukraine that had previously flown since 2022 has been replaced, and following discussions with the Ukrainian community in the county, will find a new home.
Councillor Harris said: “The replacement of the Ukraine flag does not diminish the support and generosity that Essex residents have shown the people of Ukraine since 2022 and I know this will continue.”
Val
2026-05-16 07:23:28
Other than for special commemoration days, e.g. Armed Forces Day, the three flags that should fly are: Union Flag, St George's Flag and the Essex County Flag.
David Forman
2026-05-16 07:47:08
Given the valuable contribution of the Irish community to Britain, including in two world wars, it is more than justified to fly the Tricolour. Take for example my Irish grandfather, Corporal Vincent Maguire, who survived the trenches of World War I and earned the Distinguished Conduct Medal. Likewise, many brave souls from the countries of Britain's Empire. A visit to the Menin Gate Memorial in Ypres, Belgium should be a lesson for all schoolchildren. It would help to undermine Reform's attempt at rewriting a white history of nation and flag. The Union flag is drenched in the blood of many nations.
James
2026-05-16 10:34:50
The Irish tri colour a flag drenched in blood.
jarrett
2026-05-16 12:53:35
David, Along with Tyne Cot or any of the other smaller burial sites.
Darren
2026-05-16 16:09:54
UK government offices (local and national) should only fly the flag of this country and nothing else end of discussion.
Mr T.
2026-05-16 19:23:16
Don't no many other countries that fly other flags but there own...
Spell checker
2026-05-17 07:18:29
Mr T It's KNOW many other..... and ..... flags but THEIR own
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