Birmingham Conservative councillor Simon Morrill has launched a passionate defence of a nationwide flag movement, declaring that "the Union flag belongs to everyone."

The comments come as Operation Raise the Colours, has witnessed communities throughout England displaying numerous St George's and Union Jack flags in response to local authorities removing them.

Participants have erected flags in Manchester, Bradford, Newcastle, Norwich and the Isle of Wight as part of the grassroots initiative.

Simon Morrill has launched a passionate defence of a nationwide flag movement, declaring that 'the Union flag belongs to everyone'

Speaking to GB News, Mr Morrill said: "I just think some people from the Labour movement on the left don’t understand the significance of the Union flag.

"A lot of them resort to projection. We have a local community group on Facebook, the Redneck community group, and just yesterday there were a bunch of left-wingers using false or anonymous aliases to slag off white working-class communities across B45 not realising they’re projecting.

"They’re being prejudiced against an entire community just for celebrating a flag.

"VJ Day we should use that as an opportunity to celebrate the end of the Second World War.

"I went to a VJ Day event on Friday, and there was a mixed-race young man at the back who looked quite timid and worried to be there.

"I wasn’t having any of that. I went straight over, shook his hand, and made him feel included.

"There were veterans there, and one veteran’s wife helped make him feel really welcome."

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has expressed support for citizens displaying English flags, with his spokesperson confirming the PM "absolutely" backs patriotic displays.

Downing Street regularly displays English flags during international football matches, the spokesperson noted.

However, the Government stopped short of addressing specific local disputes.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has expressed support for citizens displaying English flags

Tower Hamlets Mayor Lutfur Rahman, who faced electoral fraud conviction in 2015, announced that flags erected in his borough would be removed during routine maintenance, prompting resident backlash.

Birmingham City Council cited health and safety obligations when removing flags from lampposts, while Tower Hamlets council acknowledged residents' desire for expression but emphasised infrastructure maintenance responsibilities.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp condemned what he termed "two-tier policy", arguing that national flags deserve encouragement and should "fly with pride".