Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Katy Bourne has called for calm and unity following reports that the appearance of flags in some areas of Sussex has caused anxiety and tension among communities.
In a statement released today, Mrs Bourne said that while patriotism and pride in the national flag are widely shared across the UK, some displays have left residents feeling “deliberately targeted and intimidated.”
“Millions of people in our islands are patriotic and deeply attached to the flags of their home nations and the United Kingdom,” she said.
“In less fractious times, seeing your flag normally instils feelings of belonging and pride and I have no doubt that many of the people currently attaching flags to lamp posts and street furniture share our pride in being British.
“However, it is clear that in some places, the appearance of flags is making some communities feel deliberately targeted and intimidated. That may or may not be the intention of those putting the flags up but it is clearly creating anxiety and potential flashpoints.”
The PCC urged politicians and community leaders to help “lower the temperature” and avoid deepening divisions.
She also revealed that local authority staff and contractors had been subjected to abuse and threats when attempting to remove flags from council property — often for safety reasons or to prevent public disorder.
“Whilst it is not the responsibility of Sussex Police to remove flags, I do expect officers to uphold the law,” Mrs Bourne added.
“The Chief Constable has also reassured me that Sussex Police will not tolerate violent, abusive behaviour or attempts to provoke confrontation.”
The statement comes as several communities across Sussex report heightened tensions linked to recent flag displays on public property and street furniture.
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