Confusion and concern spread on social media after it it was noticed that the flags on London’s Cenotaph had been taken down.
The Department of Culture, Media & Sport confirmed the flags had been taken down for a scheduled clean ahead of Armistice Day next week.
But the removal of the flags sparked concern as Brits worry the annual memorial event could be hindered by planned pro-Palestine demonstrations to call for a ceasefire in the brutal war between Israel and Hamas.
The Royal Air Force ensign, Union flag, red ensign, blue ensign and white ensign are usually displayed on the Cenotaph.
Over a century old, the monument was unveiled back in 1920.
Many assumed the flags had been removed due to the protests, with Brexiteer Viscount Matt Ridley saying: “As a great grandson of the architect who designed the Cenotaph, I deeply resent the fact that it has to be fenced off and stripped of flags to appease yet again a baying mob that supports or excuses those who perpetrated a horrific atrocity.”
Counter-protests have been held at the Cenotaph in response.
However, the Metropolitan Police confirmed the flags were not removed due to the protesters.
In response to concerns over the location of the flags, the Metropolitan Police posted on X: “We have been in touch with DCMS who are responsible for the flags on the Cenotaph.
“They have confirmed that every year as part of preparations for Armistice Weekend they are removed and cleaned.
“They will be returned shortly.”
An increased police presence will be in place next week to manage the approaching protest.
Rishi Sunak has described the suggestion of a march as “provocative and disrespectful”.
He said on Friday: “To plan protests on Armistice Day is provocative and disrespectful, and there is a clear and present risk that the Cenotaph and other war memorials could be desecrated, something that would be an affront to the British public and the values we stand for.”
The PM has also written a letter to Met Police chief Sir Mark Rowley, saying the force has the government’s “full support in making robust use of all your powers to protect Remembrance activity”.
