A video showing three people removing and stamping on a St George’s flag has gone viral, as council chiefs warn that painting flags on roundabouts is illegal and a public safety hazard.
The video, reportedly taken in Ripon, features three young women pulling the flag down from a lamppost.
One of the women then throws it onto the floor and repeatedly jumps on it.
Vehicles can be heard tooting their horns as the woman take down the flag.
The video has attracted thousands of views on social media and has been widely shared.
🏴 Scandale à Ripon (Yorkshire du Nord) : trois individus de la gauche radicale arrachent et piétinent le drapeau anglais en pleine rue, alimentant les tensions post-émeutes. Que faire face à cette détestation d'appartenir à son pays?🤔 #Angleterre #Immigration pic.twitter.com/gI0XTK3ImK
— I S N 🗼 (@introspecnews) August 25, 2025
Many people commenting on posts have criticised the women’s actions, accusing them of disrespecting the flag and the country.
The women have also been the subject of numerous misogynistic and hateful comments from social media users.
The incident comes as flags appear in communities across England following the launch of a social media campaign, dubbed Operation Raise Your Colours.
The trend has sparked a national debate as some view the flag as a symbol of respect and celebration, while others associate the campaign with the recent anti-immigration demonstrations.
In North Yorkshire, council chiefs say St George’s flags painted onto roundabouts and other road markings will be painted over, while flags attached to street furniture will be removed.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for highways and transport, Councillor Malcolm Taylor, said:
“While we respect individuals’ rights to fly and paint flags on their own private property, they must not do so on public property.
“Such actions are not only illegal but also pose a safety risk to both pedestrians and motorists. The removal of unauthorised flags and markings also incurs costs to the taxpayer and may lead to delays for road users.
“Any flags painted on roundabouts or road markings will be removed as soon as resources allow. Flags affixed to street furniture, such as lampposts, will also be taken down.
“We appreciate the public’s cooperation in helping to maintain safety and respect for these shared spaces.”
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