Patriotic landlord celebrates victory in council row over giant St George’s flag painted on his pub

The British boozer has been adorned with the English flag since 2016, after Mr Kunkler wanted to show his backing for the country's national sports teams.

However, the patriotic symbol came under threat after one member of the public issued a complaint to Wiltshire Council, saying it made the pub look like "the headquarters of the National Front".

Expressing his joy that the vote "went his way", Mr Kunkler told GB News: "The planning committee went my way, five votes to three and one abstention, but English is back.

"England can be supported well in the World Cup, the ladies Six Nations, and it's a great result for English and Saint George. We'll have a good celebration next week for Saint George's Day."

Mr Kunkler stressed he had had no issue with the painted mural on his pub for 10 years before the council became involved.

He explained: "Yes, I'm a councillor and I should have known better, but I didn't know I would have to comply until this letter came in November of last year.

"So 10 years afterwards, I've been told by my own council that I'm in breach of planning."

He added: "And in fact, unfortunately, I think a lot of people that have got listed buildings grade two are probably unaware, they've probably got a pink door, red door, blue colours on there.

"They don't know without necessarily being told, so it's unfortunate."

Mr Kunkler expressed his sadness that many people feel "embarrassed" by the St George's flag and Union Jack being displayed, declaring it is "truly English" and not a political movement.

He said: "I think some people are embarrassed and they shouldn't be. This is truly English, they shouldn't be embarrassed. They should be proud to show the colours of Saint George.

"We are English, proud, we always respect the Scottish when we have the Six Nations, the Scottish, the English, the Welsh, the Irish, they all fly the flag. Saint Patrick's Day is a big day. In any country you go to in Europe, they fly their flags for pride.

"Yet sometimes you feel like, hang on, I'm not flying this flag, it might offensive, and that shouldn't be the case in this country, because we are proud to be English and we are multicultural.

"And you can see what's going on in the current climate, you can see why people are a bit concerned about what's going on."

Following the vote, Wiltshire Council deputy leader Mel Jacob said: "We have a legal duty to protect listed buildings.

"In this case, the correct process has been followed."

Wiltshire councillor Keith Allen told The Telegraph: "I served Queen and country across the world. I defended that flag every day.

"Now I’m in this position and I will defend that flag again."