Vandals have sparked outrage by painting the historic Portsmouth Guildhall with the St George’s Cross. This beloved Victorian hall, now a popular event venue, has been hit by the unauthorised red-and-white symbol, alongside other city landmarks and roads. The local council has labelled the act “upsetting” and costly to repair, even though the painting has been partially removed.
The incident is part of a broader wave of flag displays following the online movement, Operation Raise the Colours. This has evolved into a hot topic, with flags now popping up all over and stirring debate. While some say it’s a sign of national pride, others argue it’s causing unnecessary tension and is sometimes linked to xenophobia.
Adding fuel to the fire, a social media post wrongly accused police of prioritising flag removal over actual crime-fighting. In reality, the officers were installing CCTV cameras to tackle vandalism at a church, leaving the flagged lamppost untouched. Cumbria Police quickly set the record straight, urging the public to help quash the rumours by sharing the correct information.
As the flag frenzy continues, local councils face the tricky task of balancing safety without stripping streets of their symbols. Whether you see them as a matter of pride or concern, these flags have certainly got everyone talking! What’s your take? 🏴👀 #FlagDebate #PortsmouthGuildhall #CommunityConcerns