Temple Fortune's divisive flags must come down

Sarah Sackman MP says Barnet Council must remove flags hoisted on lamp posts without permission

Finchley and Golders Green MP Sarah Sackman (credit gov.uk)

Now that the final whistle has blown on the 2026 World Cup, I’m calling full time on the flags.

I have been proud to fly our flag in my government office when cheering on England in the World Cup and during King Charles’ recent visit to Golders Green.

During times of national celebration or mourning, our flag represents exactly what it should: pride in being British. A Britishness which is inclusive and welcoming, not exclusive and hostile.

Those who live and spend time in Temple Fortune and Golders Green will know that St George’s and Union Jacks were hoisted on public lamp posts, without permission, long before the World Cup. It is now time for them to come down.

Since September, huge numbers of flags have been put up on our public property in Barnet. For many members of our community, these flags do not feel like a symbol of national pride, they are a source of division and intimidation.

I have heard from many residents concerned about the presence of these flags. Messages I’ve received describe them as unsettling, intimidating and othering. That is not something any of us can ignore. In a community as diverse and inclusive as ours no member of this community should be made to feel unwelcome.

It is no surprise that the flags have made residents feel this way given the national context. The raising of the flags in Temple Fortune did not happen in a vacuum.

Since August 2025, far-right groups have been raising the flag in prominent thoroughfares and round abouts around the country – coordinated by Operation Raise the Colours.

This far-right group, with support from Britain First and Stephen Yaxley Lennon (who goes by the name of Tommy Robinson), has led a racist and aggressive campaign, putting up flags on high streets across Britain – notably in Oxford, Birmingham and Essex.

Whilst Raise the Colours has not expressly claimed responsibility for the raising the flags in Barnet here’s what we do know. The flags were hoisted on public property without permission. When the Council’s contractors began to take them down, they were confronted by abuse.

Our residents deserve better. People are entitled to fly whatever flags they wish on their own property, but our public places must belong to all.

Now that the World Cup is over, I am calling on Barnet Council to hand our streets back to the tolerant and inclusive majority of the community by removing the flags.

If you feel the same and would like to find out more about my campaign, please email me at [email protected].

Sarah Sackman is Labour MP for Golders Green

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