The raise the colours campaign promoting the display of national flags was founded by activists to promote patriotism and gained prominence quickly with flags adorned on street furniture up and down the country.

Despite the intentions, the campaign was often interpreted as being linked to far-right, anti-migrant politics, leading some councils to step in and remove flags from public display.

Whilst recognising flags as “symbols of national pride,” and proudly flying the Union flag from the council headquarters in Reigate, Surrey Council’s stance on flags is that they must be legally approved, and unauthorised flags will be removed.

“Flags can pose a risk to both drivers and pedestrians so it is our standard procedure to remove them”, a council statement read.

Tim Oliver OBE, Conservative leader of Surrey Council, stressed the sheer volume of flags erected across the county, and the efforts the council has committed to remove them in line with policy.

He said: “To date, we have removed 1,003 flags from the network, and we estimate that approximately 308 remain.

“These figures are based on the best information currently available to us and reflect the installations of which we are aware”.