Government buildings across Whitehall will display Ukrainian flags on Sunday to commemorate 34 years since Ukraine's independence from the Soviet Union, officials have confirmed.

The blue and yellow banner will fly above No10, the Cabinet Office, Treasury, and several other ministerial headquarters.

This gesture of solidarity comes as numerous English councils are actively removing St George's Cross and Union flags from public spaces.

The Ukrainian flag will fly outside No10

Local authorities in Tower Hamlets, Birmingham and Brighton have taken down patriotic displays attached to lamp posts and street furniture in recent days.

"We stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people, including those who have made a second home here in the UK, in the face of continued Russian aggression," a Government spokesman said.

"Our support for Ukraine’s independence will be clear for all to see, which is why the Prime Minister travelled to Washington DC this week to work with allies to secure a just and lasting peace for Ukraine."

Labour-controlled Birmingham has ordered the removal of hundreds of patriotic flags from city streets, citing health and safety concerns.

The council, which declared effective bankruptcy in 2023 and faces ongoing bin strikes, stated that items attached to lamp posts must be removed regularly.

Tower Hamlets, governed by the pro-Palestinian Aspire party, announced it would take down St George's flags from council property "as soon as possible."

The east London borough cited its policy on which flags can be displayed on council buildings.

Brighton and Hove Council began removing flags along the seafront under the 1980 Highway Act.

However, Councillor Bridget Fishleigh revealed that contractors faced verbal abuse during removal attempts, forcing work to stop until police protection could be arranged next week.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's spokesperson insisted he "absolutely" supports citizens displaying English flags.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's spokesperson insisted he "absolutely" supports citizens displaying English flags

"Patriotism will always be an important thing to him," the spokesman said, noting that Downing Street displays English flags during international football matches.

The Prime Minister recently travelled to Washington DC for meetings about Ukraine, including discussions with President Zelensky and other allied leaders.

Sir Keir Starmer's Washington visit focused on securing allied support for what officials termed "a just and lasting peace for Ukraine".