Transport for London contractors face threats when removing unauthorised flags

Transport for London has pledged to continue removing flags attached to its lighting columns and other infrastructure despite contractors hired to do the job facing “abuse and aggression” when carrying out their duties.

Replying to a letter about the issue from Liberal Democrat London Assembly member Hina Bokhari, TfL Commissioner Andy Lord said: “We understand the concern these unauthorised displays have caused. London’s streets must be safe and welcoming for everyone, and TfL will not tolerate behaviour that undermines that principle.”

Bokhari (pictured), who is also a Merton councillor, wrote to Lord on 29 September to raise “serious concerns” about Union Jack flags being hung on TfL-managed roads outside Merton Council’s headquarters. Though acknowledging that the union flag “is, in many contexts, a proud national symbol of unity,” Bokhari argued that “its unlawful placement across our neighbourhoods is part of a growing pattern of activity that is being used, not to celebrate but too intimidate” with “far-right groups deliberately misusing the national flag to spread fear amongst minority communities”.

In response, Lord assured her that, “It is our long-standing policy to remove all unauthorised displays from our infrastructure – this includes unauthorised flags, a range of graffiti, posters and other materials. It is important that we apply this principle fairly and consistently.”

In addition, Lord stated that TfL is “working closely with our contractors and the Metropolitan Police to establish safe ways to remove unauthorised objects across our network,” emphasising that TfL takes “very seriously” the “abuse and aggression” directed at contractors, and promising to “investigate” any individuals who target them.

A guide published by the last Conservative national government says the flying of flags from local authority or highway authority property is illegal unless permission for it has been given. TfL meets both descriptions.

Tower Hamlets Council, which tolerated the flying of flags of Palestine after the outbreak of the Israel-Gaza war, eventually removed them from all its buildings and infrastructure after the group UK Lawyers for Israel threatened a legal challenge, saying permitting it was in breach of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

In a recent True London podcast, Bokhari spoke of “rising hate crime” in London, making particular mention of its effects on her fellow Muslim Londoners. She said, “It reminds me of the time when I was growing up in the Seventies and Eighties and seeing NF [for National Front] signs,” and went to describe her local mosque having red crosses daubed on it in style signifying both the flag of St George and a Christian crucifix.

The organisation Hope Not Hate has reported that some of those behind the raising of flags an lampposts across the country are long-standing far-Right extremists.

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