A Labour councillor has apologised after describing the Operation Raise the Colours movement as "attempt by a bunch of criminals, extremists [and] nonces to hijack our national flag".
Hertsmere Borough Council's Labour leader, Jeremy Newmark, made the remarks at a council meeting last week in response to a question by Conservative councillor Brett Rosehill.
Prior to the council meeting, Councillor Rosehill said the Operation Raise the Colours movement reflected "public sentiment" and asked Mr Newmark to "guarantee that these displays will not be removed in our borough".
The online movement has seen thousands of St George's and Union Jack flags put on display in towns and cities across Britain.
During the meeting, Councillor Rosehill said Councillor Newmark was "constantly linking our national flag to extremism".
Councillor Newmark responded: "I won't be taking lectures on our national flag and extremism from a councillor that has the audacity to speak in almost glowing terms in this question to the council about Operation Raise the Colours,
"Operation Raise the Colours: an organised, orchestrated attempt by a bunch of criminals, extremists [and] nonces to hijack our national flag."
"Look at the individuals behind that organisation," he added.
"Look at the individuals behind Tommy Robinson's event this weekend. Look at their string of criminal convictions, sex offences and such like."
The council leader said that flags would not be removed from the streets of Hertsmere unless there is a clear and present risk to public safety.
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Thousands of flags have sprung up across the country as part of the Operation Raise the Colours movement
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Councillor Newmark has since issued a statement saying he was sorry the remarks "have been interpreted in the wrong way".
He said: "I accept that some of the language I used was wrong and am sorry for that.
"I also accept that some people have ascribed a broader meaning to my words and am very sorry about that indeed. That was not my intention.
"It does not reflect my views. My remarks came against the backdrop of false claims by Tommy Robinson that our council is paying to house asylum seekers instead of local residents.
Jeremy Newmark said some of the language he used was 'wrong'
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"I’m proud to be part of a Labour led Council that expresses patriotism by building decent homes, by ensuring no one is left behind and creating good jobs and economic growth so that local people feel pride in their work.
"I am sorry that my remarks have been interpreted in the wrong way and reaffirm my pride in our work to promote positive community relations in Hertsmere.”
Following Councillor Newmark's comments at the council meeting, Hertsmere Conservative's called for his suspension.
A social media post read: "Hertsmere Conservative Group has formally demanded that: the Labour Party consider Councillor Jeremy Newmark’s immediate suspension pending investigation, an urgent and impartial investigation is launched into both the comments and conduct of Councillor Newmark, Councillor Newmark issues a full and unequivocal public apology to residents and fellow councillors."
Hertsmere Conservative's have called for the council leader's suspension following the comments made about the Operation Raise the Colours movement
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"Only a swift and decisive response from the Labour Party can begin to repair the loss of confidence in this Council’s leadership," the post added.