Nigel Farage brutally mocks Essex County Council for offering ‘support’ to staff ‘unsettled’ by national flags

He mockingly read out an email sent to staff yesterday by the council’s Children and Families Senior Leadership Team saying it was “aware of the increasing visibility of St George’s and Union Jack flags displayed on road signs, bridges and trees in parts of Essex”.

Responding, the People’s Channel star said: “I’ve got to tell you, as an Essex MP, and yes, I was in Clacton at the weekend and there are an awful lot of St George’s crosses.

“And yes, there are some in places they ought not to be. But I found this whole thing rather uplifting.”

Nigel asked one of his panellists, Lord Maurice Glasman, whether this is an example of the “lanyard class” in action.

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He responded: “You get mugged and your bag nicked and that’s nothing to do with them, but you put a flag up and it’s suddenly an issue.”

Former Attorney General Sir Michael Ellis responded: “This is two-tier. The council won’t fix a pothole but worry about this.”

“It’s unbelievable”, Nigel added.

The email continues: “While these symbols may hold different meanings for different people, we recognise that for many - particularly our colleagues of colour - they can evoke feelings of discomfort and be associated with anti-immigration rhetoric”.

“We stand firmly against all forms of racism and discrimination, and we are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for everyone.”

A spokesman for the council told Guido Fawkes: “An email offering reassurance and the opportunity to seek support was sent on behalf of Essex County Council’s Children and Families Leadership Team to their employees.

Essex County Council has many employees working with children and families in areas such as Epping where there have been, and continue to be, high profile protests as well as support for the current flag-flying campaign.

"We support people’s right to fly the flag and we proudly fly the St George’s Cross outside County Hall, our headquarters in Chelmsford.”

It comes amid a nationwide display of Union Jack and St George's Cross flags has emerged across Britain, transforming from isolated local initiatives into what observers describe as a significant grassroots phenomenon.

Recent polling reveals substantial public backing for this movement, with 58 per cent of Britons supporting increased displays of national flags on public infrastructure like lampposts and roundabouts.

The survey, conducted by More In Common, found that 42 per cent oppose additional flag displays.

This wave of patriotic symbolism has appeared in locations ranging from southern coastal communities to northern town centres over recent weeks.

The movement gained momentum through an online initiative called "Operation Raise the Colours", prompting thousands of residents to attach flags to street furniture in their communities.

The political fault lines surrounding the flag displays are stark, according to the More In Common research. Reform UK supporters overwhelmingly back the movement, with 83 per cent favouring more public flag displays, while Conservative voters show 72 per cent support.

Labour and Liberal Democrat voters demonstrate markedly different attitudes, with only 47 per cent and 48 per cent respectively supporting increased flag presence.

The survey also revealed that over half of Reform supporters believe flags should remain in place regardless of circumstances, whilst the broader public tends to accept removal only when genuine safety risks exist.