Police Intervene as ‘Flag Brigade’ Hang St George’s Cross Across Brighton

At least seven police units were called to Brighton seafront on Thursday night (28 August) after a group spent the evening hanging St George’s Cross flags across the city. The group, who call themselves The Sussex Patriots, were filmed scaling ladders and attaching flags to lamp posts in West Street, North Street, and along the […]

At least seven police units were called to Brighton seafront on Thursday night (28 August) after a group spent the evening hanging St George’s Cross flags across the city.

The group, who call themselves The Sussex Patriots, were filmed scaling ladders and attaching flags to lamp posts in West Street, North Street, and along the A259 between Brighton Marina and Ovingdean.

Footage shared with Sussex News shows police catching up with the group near Palace Pier on Madeira Drive. At least seven marked police vehicles can be seen lined along the seafront as officers spoke with the flag installers.

The incident comes just days after contractors tasked with removing similar displays in Saltdean told Brighton & Hove City Council they would only continue their work under police protection, having faced verbal abuse from some members of the public.

Brighton & Hove City Council leader Bella Sankey said:

“We proudly fly the Union flag outside our Town Halls and recognise the importance of the Flag of St George as a symbol of national pride. We’re very proud to be hosting two matches in the Women’s Rugby World Cup in Brighton & Hove, including our Red Roses.

“When it comes to items attached to lamp posts or defaced roundabouts, it is normal council procedure for these to be removed on a regular basis, in line with our health and safety obligations.

“As has always been the case, people are free to fly or hang flags from their homes or gardens, but we ask that they are not attached to street furniture.”

A Sussex Police spokesperson told Sussex News:

“Officers responded to the scene for community reassurance and to support the local authority as the lead agency.”

“Police received multiple calls from members of the public concerned by a group of people putting up flags across Brighton city centre on Thursday evening (28 August).