Council under fire for ordering Conservatives to take down 'overtly political' Union Flag bunting

North Tyneside Council has been criticised after it demanded Tory councillors took down Union Jack bunting hanging in the party's Group Room.

Bryn Roberts, head of Law and Governance at North Tyneside Council, allegedly said the flags were "not appropriate" and "overtly political" in a message sent to councillor Sean Brockbank, leader of North Tyneside Conservatives.

In messages seen by Guido Fawkes, he allegedly wrote: "Hi Councillor Brockbank - whilst delivering post today, it was noted that the above pictures, together with a quantity of Union Flag bunting, has been erected in the Conservative Group Room.

"This is not an appropriate use of the room (and risks becoming an overtly political matter in an apolitical venue), so I will make arrangements for them to be removed at the end of the day." The flags have since been taken down.

Councillor Sean Brockbank the leader of North Tyneside Conservatives said: "The Union Flag is part of our national identity and is indeed flown in government buildings up and down the country - it is astonishing that this is not allowed in North Tyneside.

"The flag is one of the most recognisable symbols of the UK across the world, people look to it as a sign of hope and freedom - we firmly believe it should be flown, and indeed displayed with pride."

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