Reform UK has been accused of “sucking up to Moscow” after it announced that Ukraine flags will be among those banned from flying on council buildings run by the party.
Reform chairman Zia Yusuf said only Union Jacks and St. George’s Crosses will be flown from now on.
The party later clarified that Reform-run councils will still be allowed to fly their local county flags.
All other flags – including the Ukraine national flags which have been flown from council buildings across the country since Russia’s invasion in 2022 – will be banned.
Yusuf announced the move on X days after the party took control of 10 local authorities following its success at the local elections.
He said: “Reform controlled English councils will move at speed to resolve that the only flags permitted to be flown on or in its buildings will be the Union Jack and the St George’s flag.
“No other flags will be permitted to be flown on its flag-poles, balconies, reception desks or council-chamber walls.”
Reacting to the announcement, Mike Tapp, the Labour MP for Dover and Deal, said: “As VE Day reminds us, Britain has a proud history of working with allies to defeat dictators and tyrants.
“It tells you all you need to know about Nigel Farage’s Reform that their very first act after winning elections is to ban the Ukrainian flag from our town halls, in this of all weeks.
“But while it is sickening, it should come as no surprise: Farage told us that Vladimir Putin is the world leader he most admires.
“Farage and Reform councillors should stop sucking up to Moscow and drop their ban on flying the Ukrainian flag immediately.”
A Reform UK spokesman said: “Reform UK will proudly fly the Union Jack, St George’s Flag and county flags. Unlike the Tories and Labour, we are proud of our country and history.”
