Unleashing Controversy: Leicestershire Council's Bold Move to Embrace 'British Values'

In a significant and contentious shift, Leicestershire County Council has recently abolished its flag flying policy during its inaugural meeting under the new Reform leadership. This decision, enacted by Council leader Dan Harrison, leaves the previous plan—which included flags for LGBTQ+ Pride Month, Gypsy Roma and Traveller History Month, and Windrush Day—by the wayside, as the focus pivots to what the council describes as the ’British values’ uniting the populace.

Harrison characterized the eight-minute cabinet meeting, which featured only this flag policy alteration on the agenda, as ”historic”, emphasizing the need to celebrate the nation’s identity, heritage, and culture. The new protocol dictates that the Union flag and the county’s own flag will fly permanently outside County Hall, while the St George’s flag will occupy the third pole—unless it’s replaced by the Lord Lieutenant’s flag during visits. A fourth pole is set to be used for specific commemorative events such as Armed Forces Day and Commonwealth Day.

However, this reform has not been without its criticisms. Various staff groups representing LGBTQ, disabled, and BAME members expressed their dissatisfaction in a joint letter, claiming they weren’t adequately consulted about these changes. They highlighted their representation of over 400 council staff and questioned the impact of such a policy on employee morale, underscoring the necessity of the Public Sector Equality Duty to foster relations among diverse community groups.

Opposition leader Deborah Taylor labeled the meeting as “very strange” and questioned the exclusion of employee voices in a matter that directly affects many within the council. Amidst this backdrop of concern, Harrison has pledged to engage with staff groups regarding the new protocol, setting the stage for ongoing debate about identity, representation, and the meaning of community values in government policy.