Campaigners are urging the council to take down the St George’s and Union Jack flags across Sheffield amid claims of residents feeling unsafe.
In an open letter to the council, campaigners, Sheffield Communities Against Racism and Facism, SCARF, demand urgent action.
The group said: “These flags are part of a coordinated campaign of intimidation and anti-immigration hate.”
SCARF says that allowing the flags to remain is a ‘toleration of harassment.’
The flags have been a topic of debate since they started appearing in the summer of 2025 with supporters of the flag raising movement, Raise The Colours, denying racism claims.
Lewis Underhill, a resident of Stocksbridge, said: “It is okay to celebrate your country, as long as you’re not being racist within that.
“Most people who want to see their flag flown for their country don’t care what the colour of your skin is, or where you’re from, they just want to celebrate their country.”
However, SCARF claims that there have been threats of violence towards residents online and in community groups.
The council states that there will not be a dedicated removal operation due to concerns for staff safety, but the flags will be removed when work is carried out where they are located.
SCARF refutes this claim, explaining that the council cannot say that the flag removal is unsafe for contractors, if residents in the area are ‘left to navigate public space under threat.’
The organisation demands three clear aspects from the council, including a timeline of the removal of the flags, increased and continuous monitoring of the area and holding those raising the flags accountable.
Under the Highways Act it is illegal to attach flags to council-owned assets without permission from the authority.
SCARF demands that those erecting the flags should face legal action, such as fines.
In a collation of examples, SCARF highlights that the council can work safely, such as in the Streets Ahead tree-felling programme where Amey, the council’s contractors, were provided with police support and security.
Sheffield City Council said it: “Wholeheartedly condemns acts of violence and harassment.
We are focusing our resources on removing flags that have been modified with slogans or wording, those that have been graffitied, and those that present a safety hazard.”