Jeremy Clarkson has pointed out a rather hypocritical feature in the arguments of those keen to see St George’s Crosses vanish from the country’s streets.
For the past few weeks, patriotic members of the public have been erecting England and Union Jack flags up and down the country as part of Operation Raise the Colours.
The political movement has seen flags hung from lampposts and roundabouts across the nation, painted with the red cross of St George.
Those involved in the campaign have insisted it’s a movement to promote patriotism, while its critics have claimed it has associations with the far-right.
Jeremy Clarkson has taken a pop at local councils opposed to the St George’s Cross
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AMAZONThe Clarkson’s Farm star continued in The Sun: “And almost immediately the local council responded by sending a team of men with some turps and brushes to remove their handiwork.
“Town hall chiefs said, ‘This is not about being unpatriotic. It’s about making sure our roads are safe”.
Exposing the flaw in the argument, Mr Clarkson added: “Really? Because if that’s really your priority, why not go and fix some potholes?”
Mr Clarkson’s comments come days after highway maintenance crews across Yorkshire claimed they were encountering hostile behaviour from residents while carrying out work to restore roundabouts that had been unofficially decorated with St George’s cross designs.
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St George’s Crosses have appeared on roundabouts across the country (Margate pictured)
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GETTY
Wakefield Council reported that its workers faced abuse at multiple sites as they painted over the red and white markings that had appeared on mini-roundabouts throughout the region.
Three Yorkshire authorities announced programmes to eliminate the patriotic road decorations, citing regulatory compliance and public safety as primary motivations.
Leeds City Council expressed concerns that the altered roundabouts might disorient unfamiliar motorists and trigger collisions.
Meanwhile, officials in Barnsley adopted comparable measures, with council leader Sir Steve Houghton declaring that flags attached to public infrastructure or painted on roadways would be removed, stating that “criminal damage and graffiti are not acceptable in any circumstances.”
Jeremy Clarkson has called on councils to focus on potholes instead
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GETTYWakefield Council is similarly committed to restoring affected roundabouts to their standard appearance.
They described their approach as prioritising safety whilst adhering to statutory obligations.