Labour MP brands Britons hanging St George's flags 'extremists' trying to 'mark territory'

The hotel has been subject to several protests and counter-protests in recent weeks over its accommodation for asylum seekers.

Mr Lewis said: "Most people say they fly the St George's Cross out of pride - and that's probably even true for some of those putting them on lampposts.

"But far‑right groups are using these flags to mark territory and intimidate the vast majority who reject their extreme views."

Quoted by the Eastern Daily Press, Mr Lewis stated: "They're trying to drag the flag back into being just their flag, only for their purposes of division and intolerance, undoing the brilliant way our multi‑heritage England teams turned it into one of unity and pride.

"I've raised residents' concerns with the county council - they can't look the other way when extremists use our streets to send an intimidating message."

Norfolk Constabulary has told the former shadow minister and Labour leadership candidate not to attend any counter-demonstrations, fearing that his presence could escalate tensions.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

• REVEALED: Four times Labour bigwigs have poured scorn on the English flag as row sparks JD Vance intervention
• Nigel Farage brutally mocks council for offering 'support' to staff 'unsettled' by national flags
• Mosque proudly flies Union Jack from window after making discovery 'intended to cause offence'

Mr Lewis joined counter-protesters at the hotel in December, where he said through a megaphone that those demanding an end to asylum seekers being held at the hotel were "racists" and "fascists".

Norfolk County Council said it is "not prioritising" the removal of the St George's and Union Flags and is focusing on "more urgent" issues.

A spokesman said: "We're aware of a small number of locations where flags have been attached to street lights.

"While the council does not encourage people to put flags up on lampposts and other street furniture and does not regard these as long-term features, the council will not prioritise the removal of such flags over any more urgent highway activity."

Thousands of flags have appeared across the country as people across the country join in with Operation Raise the Colours.

Organiser of Flag Force UK Joseph Moulton told GB News that the flag is about "mobilising the community, rekindling social responsibility, and restoring pride in where we live".

Mr Moulton said: "In recent years, especially since Covid, the loss of pubs and communal spaces, and the pressures of the cost of living, people have become more atomised and insular.

"Combined with wider social and economic difficulties, it is clear we need to start taking responsibility for our communities and making a positive impact, rather than just complaining on social media."

Sir Keir Starmer offered his verdict on the flags, saying he views them as a sign of people being "patriotic".

The Prime Minister stated: "I'm the leader of the Labour Party who put the Union Jack on our Labour Party membership cards.

"I always sit in front of a Union Jack. I've been doing it for years, and it attracted a lot of comment when I started doing it.

"I'm very encouraging of flags. I think they're patriotic, and I think they're a great symbol of our nation."