'Absolutely ludicrous!' Council jobsworths seen cutting down England flag with knife ahead of World Cup semi-final

'Absolutely ludicrous!' Council jobsworths seen cutting down England flag with knife ahead of World Cup semi-final

Council workers have been caught cutting down an England flag with a knife on the eve of the World Cup semi-final. Doorbell camera footage showed workers from Liberal Democrat-led Portsmouth City Council slashing down a St George's Cross outside a flat on Tuesday. The two men first attempted to untie the flag from a balcony rail, with one eventually taking a knife out of his bag and cutting down the flag, the footage revealed. Portsmouth City Council has said the flags are at odds with the council's "fire safety policy". TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Reform UK councillors and MPs have now hit out at the removal, describing it as "ludicrous". Emily Strudwick, the leader of Reform UK in Portsmouth, told GB News: "They're saying it's a fire risk. I'm sorry. "It's on a concrete building on a steel pole backing into a car park. What risk is there? It's absolutely ludicrous." Ms Strudwick said the council could have allowed the flag to fly during the World Cup and advise residents to remove the St George's Cross later. She said: "It's only for a short time... If the World Cup happens every four years, allow them to fly the flag and use common sense and say: 'I'll tell you what, we don't allow it because of a fire risk. But once the World Cup is finished, could you please take it down?' "And I'm sure there wouldn't be so much of a backlash, but no, they're just going down and cutting them down. It's theft." Suella Braverman, Reform's Fareham and Waterlooville MP, said the removal of the flag was "ridiculous". Mrs Braverman has now written to Portsmouth City Council leader Steve Pitt calling for an "urgent investigation" into the flag's removal. ENGLAND UNDER ATTACK - READ MORE: Local residents furious after council BANS England flags ahead of World Cup clash: 'It is a JOKE!' Argentina fans burn WRONG flag ahead of England World Cup clash as tensions rise Killjoy council axes England World Cup flags from lampposts - saying only 'safe and inclusive' displays

Council workers caught on camera ripping down England flags ahead of World Cup semi-final

'National pride is vital and positivity is needed right now and the removal of national flags sends the wrong negative message.'