A social media post features what appears to be a Daily Mail headline stating that the UK Government is “considering banning the England flag from being displayed in public.” The widely-circulated image shows Prime Minister Keir Starmer alongside the St George’s Cross. This post has generated significant discussion online. Our investigation indicates that the headline does not correspond to any actual Daily Mail article, and there is no evidence supporting the claim.
Social Media Posts
A picture showing a purported Daily Mail headline that reads: “UK Government is considering banning the England flag from being displayed in public” has been shared widely across social media platforms recently.
Fact Check
The Viral “Daily Mail” Image is Fake
Closer inspection reveals that the viral screenshot of the Daily Mail headline was digitally manipulated. A thorough search of the Daily Mail website and archives shows no article with the headline: “Government considers banning England flag from being displayed in public.”
We contacted the Daily Mail for official confirmation. Hayley Barlow, Director of Communications and spokesperson for dmg media, the publisher of the Daily Mail, responded that “I can confirm that the Daily Mail did not publish this article.”
Moreover, the latest article under Glen Owen’s byline was published on August 23 (see here), while the viral image claims a headline dated August 24, 2025, further contradicting the authenticity of the screenshot.
Additionally, there are no reports from reputable sources that the UK Government is considering a ban on the England flag. Neither Downing Street, Parliament, nor any government department or reputable media outlet has issued proposals, consultations, or policies regarding restrictions on flag display.
No Government Policy to Ban the Flag
Reports indicate Prime Minister Keir Starmer has stated that the England flag, alongside the Union Jack, represents national identity. In public statements, he has discussed citizens displaying their national symbols. Starmer and ministers have referred to the flag as a marker of heritage that serves during sporting, cultural, and civic occasions.
Reuters has reported that government officials acknowledge the flag as an expression of patriotism, within existing safety and planning regulations. Current guidelines include ensuring that flags are attached securely and do not obstruct public infrastructure, which are standard practical regulations rather than ideological positions.
Local Councils, Not Government, Removed Some Flags
Confusion over the supposed “ban” has partly arisen because some local councils have removed England flags from council-owned property such as lampposts or railings. These removals were not political acts but rather based on practical concerns such as safety, infrastructure maintenance, and local regulations.
For example, Birmingham City Council and Tower Hamlets Council explained that flags were taken down to prevent damage to street furniture and ensure public safety when they had been attached without official permission. Importantly, these decisions applied only to council-managed property and did not affect flags displayed on private homes or businesses.
The City of York Council went further to clarify the situation, stating:
“We have no plans in place to remove flags that have been put up recently by members of the public. The one exception is on a short stretch of road beside York racecourse – and that’s because of a number of high-profile events this week.”
This illustrates that council actions are highly localized and temporary, not part of any coordinated national ban.
(Sources: BBC, Independent)
Legal Context: Rules for Flying Flags
The UK has regulations governing the display of national and regional flags. The St George’s Cross, Union Jack, and flags of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland may be displayed on private property without planning permission under certain conditions.
Certain limitations exist primarily regarding commercial advertising and attachment to public infrastructure without proper authorization. These regulations aim to address practical considerations related to safety and public space management. (Source)
Conclusion
The claim that the UK Government is considering banning the England flag in public is false. This claim appears to stem from an image purporting to be a Daily Mail article that does not exist in their publication archives. No evidence supports the existence of any government policy, proposal, or consultation regarding restrictions on displaying the England flag, and both official statements and regulations confirm that citizens remain free to display national flags on private property within existing practical guidelines.
Title:UK Government is NOT considering a ban on public display of England flags
Fact Check By: Cielito WangResult: False
