MP MATT Western has condemned Warwickshire County Council’s decision to remove the Ukrainian flag from outside its headquarters in Warwick, describing the move as “deeply troubling”.
The decision follows the introduction of a new flag policy by the council’s Reform UK-led cabinet, which now permits only the Union Jack, the St George’s Cross, and the Warwickshire County flag to be flown. All exceptions are at the discretion of the council chair. This policy has already led to the local authority removing both the Pride and Ukrainian flags.
Mr Western, MP for Warwick and Leamington, said: “Ukraine is still at war. Russia started it. For over three years, the UK has stood shoulder to shoulder with the Ukrainian people. Whether through military support or symbolic gestures like flying the flag, we have shown our commitment to their fight for freedom.
“Flying the Ukrainian flag was a simple, powerful act of solidarity with those who’ve fled war and with those still fighting for Ukraine’s freedom.”
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the United Kingdom has received 254,600 Ukrainian refugees, making it the fourth largest recipient of displaced Ukrainian people, excluding Russia.
In Warwickshire alone, the council reported in May that 950 hosting relationships had been offered by local residents through the Homes for Ukrainians Sponsorship Scheme. The scheme has enabled more than 1,000 Ukrainian nationals to begin new chapters in their lives across the county.
Mr Western said the flag’s removal “sends entirely the wrong message – not just to Ukrainians, but to all of us who believe in compassion, inclusion and standing up to tyranny”.
He continued: “I met this week with the interim Polish Ambassador to London. He confirmed how important it is that the UK shows its support to Ukraine and, by extension, to nations in Eastern Europe. Recent Russian incursions into Poland, Estonia and Denmark underline how important it is that we demonstrate this solidarity across our nations.
“This isn’t about protocol – it’s about principle. Reform UK councillors, led by George Finch, have pushed through a new flag policy that bans all but the Union Jack, St George’s Cross and the Warwickshire County flag. This comes just weeks after they removed the Pride flag. It’s a pattern that speaks volumes.
“Councillor Finch has once again shown his tone-deaf approach to leadership. Warwickshire deserves better than this divisive and regressive politics. I urge the County Council to reverse this decision, and raise the Ukrainian flag as a powerful sign of justice and hope.”
WCC said it could not comment on political matters.
