A new flag flying policy at Leicestershire County Council has sparked concerns among staff, with some feeling “it’s not safe to be yourself”. The controversy arose as Reform UK convened to discuss which flags should be flown at County Hall and when. Council leader Dan Harrison stated that the Union flag and county flag would “fly permanently” from two of the three poles in front of County Hall in Glenfield.

The third pole would display either the St George’s flag or the Lord Lieutenant’s flag if he is present at County Hall on official duties. A fourth pole, located in the inner quadrangle, would be used to “mark events such as Armed Forces Day, Commonwealth Days and Armistice Day”.

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Mr Harrison said decisions over whether to fly other banners, such as the rainbow flag for Pride month and the disabled people’s flag during Disability History Month, will be delegated to the chief executive “following consultation with the leader of the council”.

Reform UK Chairman of North West Leicestershire, Joseph Boam, said it’s a “common sense policy”. He wrote on social media: “Apparently flying the Union Flag and St George’s Flag is now ‘unsafe’ and ‘unwelcome?’

“We’ve brought in a simple, common sense policy: Official buildings, Official flags. That’s it. Let’s crack on.”

This decision has caused unease among staff, including those from LGBT+, disability and BAME groups, who fear flags celebrating their communities may not be flown in the future.

Mr Harrison has pledged to meet with representation groups to address their concerns.

A council employee who wished to remain anonymous told Leicestershire Live: “This is a sign that I am ‘different’ and my family is ‘different’. We can get on with our lives, but we need to keep it to ourselves.

“I joined the council because I could be myself at work and not spend energy on hiding parts of myself and my family. It meant I could focus on my job and do my best for the people of Leicestershire.

“By not flying the rainbow flag, the council is saying: ‘It’s not safe to be yourself, you’re not welcome here.”