Reform UK Removes Ukrainian Flag From Essex County Hall, Replaces With Union Flag

The Ukrainian flag, which had flown outside Essex County Hall since March 2022 following Russia’s full-scale invasion, was replaced by a second Union flag under the direction of the newly elected Reform UK administration.

Council leader Peter Harris described the flag change as a “proud moment.” However, Lee Scott, the Conservative opposition leader, condemned the move, stating it risked importing “pro-Kremlin politics” into the county.

This action marks one of the initial policy decisions by Reform UK, which took control of the local authority on Friday, ending the Conservatives' 25-year governance. The party has also announced plans to eliminate library reservation charges and indicated potential legal challenges to local government reorganisation efforts.

Reform UK has previously committed to exclusively displaying Union, national, county, or armed forces flags on council properties under its control.

Harris clarified, “The replacement of the Ukraine flag does not diminish the support and generosity that Essex residents have shown the people of Ukraine since 2022, and I know this will continue.” A spokesperson confirmed discussions would occur with the county's Ukrainian community to identify a new location for the flag.

Scott, however, characterised the removal as “deeply disappointing” and a “performative gesture,” asserting it conveyed “the wrong message.” He further stated, “For Essex to turn its back on a visible symbol of solidarity risks importing the language and instincts of pro-Kremlin politics into our county at the very moment our allies across Europe continue to stand firm in support of Ukraine.”