Flying Union Jacks on lampposts dubbed ‘tool of hate’ in leaked Labour cohesion strategy document

Within the report, national symbols were described as being deployed at times last summer to "exclude or intimidate" communities.

The remarks reference campaigns up and down the country last year that encouraged displaying national flags on streets, lamp-posts and other public areas.

Supporters defended the campaign as expressions of national pride, whilst critics connected them to immigration-related tensions.

According to the draft, far-right groups have attempted to transform "symbols of pride into tools of hate".

The commentary on the flags drew a furious response from Reform UK's deputy leader Richard Tice, who condemned the proposals.

"Absurdly, this says our national flag is a tool of hate,” he said.

“The whole paper is a divisive nonsense that should be consigned to the bin," the Reform Business, Trade and Energy spokesman told The Sun.

Under the plans, approximately £800million would be allocated over a decade to support 40 areas identified as experiencing particular strain on social cohesion.

The proposals also include strengthened counter-extremism measures, with the draft identifying Islamism as Britain's most significant extremist threat.

To that end, it outlines new powers to close extremist charities and remove trustees connected to promoting hatred.

Additionally, the document commits to action against "divisive content" online.

The leaked report also proposes establishing a "special representative on anti-Muslim hostility" who would coordinate government efforts to combat hatred directed at Muslim communities.

It affirms Britain does not recognise blasphemy laws and will resist any attempts to intimidate individuals over alleged blasphemy.

Shadow Communities Secretary Sir James Cleverly warned creating an anti-Muslim hostility "tsar" risked having a "chilling effect".

The Conservative frontbencher added: "Anti-Muslim hatred is real, but we should tackle it with the existing laws we have for that exact purpose, without undermining free expression."

Sir James argued the approach represented "divisive tactics", echoing party leader Kemi Badenoch's recent assertion that identity politics leads to a "dead end".

Government sources have indicated the document, obtained by think-tank Policy Exchange, represents an early draft of the strategy.

The People's Channel has approached the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government for comment.

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