A Bournemouth MP has condemned the painting of English and British flags across the area, describing it as a “weaponised” use of national symbols.
Flags have been daubed on roundabouts, walls, lamp posts, and even a church in recent weeks, following right-wing protests outside hotels said to be housing asylum seekers.
Jessica Toale MP said: “Many residents have raised concerns with me about the sudden appearance of English and British flags on lamp posts, roundabouts, and even scrawled on churches. I understand why this feels unsettling, especially after recent protests outside hotels housing asylum seekers and negative headlines about our town that seek to incorrectly lay the blame for the town’s decline on immigration.
“The Union Flag and the St George’s Cross belong to us all. They should be seen as symbols of shared pride and belonging, not weaponised to intimidate or exclude.”
She confirmed she has raised residents’ concerns with BCP Council, which has said it will remove anything that poses a safety risk, including flags tied to road signs, and will clear graffiti as soon as it is reported.
A council spokesperson said: “At BCP Council we are responsible for maintaining safer roads and infrastructure. We will therefore remove anything that poses a safety risk, including flags hung from road signs. In terms of graffiti we aim to remove this as soon as possible so that everyone can enjoy our three beautiful towns.”
Dorset Council confirmed it has identified 17 roundabouts needing cleaning, with an estimated repair cost of £3,500.
