An MP says people putting up flags in York have been ‘emboldened to perpetrate racism’ in the city.
And she is calling for help from the government to take them down.
Rachael Maskell, York Central MP, made her points during local government questions in Parliament yesterday (Monday).
She told the Commons: “In my kind and inclusive city of York, those who are putting up flags and expressing support for them have been emboldened to perpetrate racism and intimidate communities.
“They have beaten people up and hung a death threat on our city wall.
“What further support can the Government give my local authority to enable it to get those flags down, given that even contractors are being intimidated?”
The death threat she referred to was a St George’s flag draped over the city walls with the message: “‘This one’s for you Maskill”.
In response, Miatta Fahnbulleh, Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, said: “The flag is something that we must reclaim, and reclaim proudly. We know that in some communities flags are being used to intimidate and divide, and we are working with local authorities throughout the country to ensure that they have the support that they need to make those judgment calls.
“But I return to the fact that the flag is ours, we need to reclaim it, and we need to stand up against those who want to divide our communities across the country.”
Ms Maskell, who now sits as an Independent since having the Labour whip withdrawn, was among the first to call on City of York Council to take down the flags.
