The deputy mayor for Police Fire and Crime in North Yorkshire has given her view on the flying of the flag of St George and Union flag in public places.
The UK-based "Operation Raise the Colours" campaign advocates for displaying them on lampposts and roundabouts.
Some see it as a positive and inclusive expression of patriotism, others view it with concern due to its links to far-right groups.
Here's Jo Coles with her view:
"So the flags issue is complicated, partly because it's something that sits between local authority, responsibilities, and policing.
"It's also because an awful lot of people see their flags rightly as symbols of national pride and things that they're proud of, and other people see them as, see them differently and see them as things that are intimidating."
She is worried about those displays influencing anyone to engage in negative or criminal behaviour:
"I think flag-flying, from my perspective, has always been something that people have been entitled to do on their car, on their own property, but what it could never be, wherever it is and whatever the response to it is a green light to, for people to behave differently towards people in their communities."


Rare Glimpse Inside Scarborough Station’s Clocktower as Restoration Ticks Along
Man Arrested After Two Teenagers Found Dead At Holiday Park Near Bridlington
Major Investment Boost for Whitby’s Woodsmith Mine Project
Scarborough Sets Sights on National Stage with 2028 Town of Culture Bid
East Riding Council’s Housing Strategy Sparks Debate Over Ambition and Cost
Plan to Deal with Scarborough Empty Shop Numbers
East Riding Councillor: Why Are Our Children Worth Less Than Everyone Else's?
Mud Rescue Drama in Whitby Harbour
£44,000 Funding Boost to Help Coastal Communities Feel More Connected and Supported
Maximum Tax Increase for Humberside Fire Authority Leaves it £3.5m Short
£150,000 Funding to Reduce Winter Deaths in North Yorkshire
North Yorkshire Council Approves £150,000 Financial Support for Scarborough Athletic Football Club







Comments
Add a comment