"The Ukrainian flag has been removed from outside Essex County Council's offices by the newly elected Reform UK administration. A second Union flag was instead put up in its place outside County Hall in Chelmsford on Friday. Council leader Peter Harris said it was a "proud moment", but in response, Tory opposition boss Lee Scott warned it could encourage "pro-Kremlin politics" locally. The Ukraine flag had flown outside the building since March 2022, weeks after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of the country."
"Reform has previously pledged to only fly Union, national, county or armed forces flags outside council buildings it controls. 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." A spokesman said there would be discussions with the county's Ukrainian community before finding the flag a new home."
"However, Scott said its removal was "deeply disappointing" and sent "the wrong message", branding it a "performative gesture". "For Essex to turn its back on a visible symbol of solidarity risks importing the language and instincts of pro-Kremlin politics into our county at the very moment our allies across Europe continue to stand firm in support of Ukraine," he added."
The Ukrainian flag outside Essex County Council offices was removed by a newly elected Reform UK administration. A Union flag was raised in its place outside County Hall in Chelmsford. The Ukraine flag had flown there since March 2022, shortly after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Council leader Peter Harris said the change was a proud moment and that it would not reduce support for Ukrainians in Essex. A spokesman said discussions would take place with the county’s Ukrainian community to find a new home for the flag. Tory opposition leader Lee Scott said the removal was deeply disappointing, sent the wrong message, and could encourage pro-Kremlin politics locally.
Read at www.bbc.com
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