Gulf War veteran has been ordered to take down Union Jack flag

Andrew Smith, 51, installed the flag on a pole in his garden in Hucknall, Nottinghamshire, in tribute to Great Britain after serving six years in the Royal Signals. But following a complaint by one neighbour on his estate, he says he received a letter from a housing developer ordering him to take it down. The father-of-two has so far complied with the notice but is now fighting back because he is 'proud to be British'. Mr Smith, who served in the army between 1988 and 1994 says a disgruntled neighbour complained to bosses at Harron Homes who he claims have warned him to take down the flagpole or face legal action. He said: 'I think it's the flag as it's the first thing he mentioned, he said to me 'I hope you're taking the flag down, it's spoiling our view.'
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[@kiaaurora]

How is this even possible to be offended by a country’s flag in that country?!

[@megane230f1]

As the uk has been sold out

[@underalions2023]

Allah snack bar

[@grayssportsalmanac85]

When the flag rope is making a racket slapping against the pole all day? 🤔

[@chrislloyd4673]

When immigration bursts at the seams

[@velvetinedrapes4359]

@@grayssportsalmanac85 You can tighten the rope so it sits against the rope and doesn't bang. You muppet 😂😂

[@movieknight68]

Sounds to me like the neighbours need to emigrate to a country with a flag that they like.

[@oliveringram3056]

Perhaps they have recently arrived....!!

[@pershaankhan1662]

How do you know the neighbour didn't complain because of the constant rattling noise?

[@Michael-og8dt]

​@@pershaankhan1662no, it's probably a self entitled angry little Muslim child fancier

[@alanyoung3389]

​@pershaankhan1662 no one would even think that.

[@charlie271210]

@@pershaankhan1662 your so funny.

[@RocketCat525]

As an American, I think it is great that you show pride for your country keep the flag flying 🇬🇧🇺🇸🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@objectvs5148]

shut up american, no one wants to know your opinion

[@jacklunsford7528]

Out red white and blue brethren. 🫡

[@carlbirtles4518]

Yeah, he was just being patriotic. 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@sarahjones7239]

❤🇬🇧 🇺🇸 🇬🇧 🇺🇸 ❤

[@jasonhudson739]

Make america and britain great again

[@taxesv1nce142]

The fact that anyone in any country would even have the audacity to order someone to take down the flag of that country which they are living in is honestly disturbing to me.

[@jimmyc974]

The fact there are people that have the audacity to use social media and have an opinion on something they have zero knowledge in is what is really disturbing! Perhaps you should actually read the email (it was not a letter as the home owner stated) and truly understand the reasoning for the restrictions in the covenant that he agreed to and signed!

[@westenev]

I could think of a few reasons not related to race or country. A night shift worker wouldn't appreciate the constant clanging noises, for example. It's too hard to tell without actually knowing WHY the complaint was made, and I wish that accusers actually had to make a case.

[@Minebrawlzzz]

And it would be perfectly fine to put up Palestine, Ukraine, or pride flags. Double standards

[@billy-johnson678]

​@@westenevits obviously because its a british flag and some foreigner doesn't like it

[@yourmum69_420]

@@jimmyc974 lol you're a clown

[@user-lp6nf2px6p]

Name and shame your neighbour's. The cheek of it.

[@soot.2146]

Some of the complaints maybe from people who fall into age bracket for conscription into forces what's chances a lot of GB residents would never fight for this country.

[@kendiamond8722]

Butcher's apron, take it down,

[@ulovemymum2963]

@@kendiamond8722cry harder 😂

[@user-hu8or5nx2w]

We can only guess what kind of names they had. But I think we know ☪

[@kendiamond8722]

@@ulovemymum2963 the flag that everyone hates, the butcher's apron, how could you be proud of a flag that caused so much genocide around the planet

[@NewToronto]

What really pisses me off is the source of any complaint always gets to stay anonymous. Undercover snitches.

[@repuIsive]

brown losers crying about the fact that they didnt have enough patriotism for their own country. 😳👍

[@robinhood2980]

People can make a freedom of information request.!!

[@twilight_lupinesilva4691]

​@@robinhood2980No, it will just be blocked, like "this information is classified" or whatever it is that prevents people from having to comply with FOIA.

[@dudebro91-fn7rz]

​@@robinhood2980 No such thing as that in britain. Believe it or not they don't have a constitution so the government can pretty much do whatever it wants

[@E0S1776]

More like “ Undercover Bitches “

[@greatwhite775]

You leave it up mate. You served your country. Be proud , your a hero. My grandfather died at 21 years old as a spitfire pilot battle of Britain.

[@MisatoBestWoman]

From a Canadian I salute you fly the Union Jack high and proudly!!! Anyone being offended by the flag should move! 🇨🇦🫂🇬🇧

[@Awakeningspirit20]

I hardly saw any Canadian flags in Canada, you guys need to be more patriotic and fly it more! It's beautiful!

[@MisatoBestWoman]

@@Awakeningspirit20 I absolutely agree with this! There are many more popping up including on vehicles. I plan to however possible spread the message

[@Awakeningspirit20]

@@MisatoBestWoman This Canadian told me they're very patriotic, just not "jingoistic" about it. Be jingoistic, it's fun! It's a leaf for God's sake, no one else has one on their flag. Iconic.

[@brentbaker4489]

Don't believe the Canadian crap . They would make you fly the the Pride Flag .

[@mmaking66]

Nobody wants to fly the flag currently under the justin trudeau regime​@Awakeningspirit20

[@user-fc8pl4ej4u]

Don't take it down. You are free to fly a flag on your property.

[@Tourist1967]

That very much depends...in this case, no. Read the story. All the way to the end.

[@user-fc8pl4ej4u]

Jobs worth people.

[@sallygardiner7150]

Not when fixed to a permanent pole.

[@kingcurry6594]

"You are free to fly a flag on your property". No, you may not be. Learn the law.

[@ef1265]

You can if it was a Palestinian flag or probably any other flag except for the UK one

[@UlsterDarkKnight]

The neighbours that had an issue with the British flag should be forced out of the country

[@malcolmeccles3783]

Iam an ex soldier . I won't say where I have served but one of my tattoos was done in Larne if memory serves and you are absolutely spot on. The neighbours that objected were probably not originally UK residents

[@bionic4368]

​@@malcolmeccles3783or more likely they just despise racists and their paraphernalia.

[@WeeShoeyDugless]

Our ex Ghurka neighbours proudly fly the Union Jack and I haven't heard of anyone complaining. Keep the flag flying high👍🏻👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧

[@bionic4368]

@@WeeShoeyDugless and you Huns didn't pay Mad Betty's taxes, #LoyalMyArse

[@AlexandrawOfficial_Lexi]

nonsense some of the biggest anti white and anti british are white lefties and jewish lefties Id say most BLM supporters were either white or jewish@@malcolmeccles3783

[@davidreed3357]

She's a beautiful flag my friend. Fly her high. So much respect this American veteran has for my brothers and sisters across the pond. It was an honor to serve with you during the war on terrorism.

[@GoodTimeGremlin]

A war for resources

[@davidreed3357]

@GoodTimeGremlin do you always have to show your ignorance? Yes you do. You are proud of your ignorance

[@daddydubs4349]

@@davidreed3357 Not that I blame you but you fought a war to protect Israel and some oil resources. Iraq was no threat to America and The United Kingdom as long as we didn't allow people from there to immigrate.

[@drewkavi6327]

A war that caused more terrorism than it deterred, a war that was started for no reason, a war that is widely recognised to have been for nothing and caused instability in the region?

[@NoScopeSpeed]

​@@davidreed3357Well done. You are a puppet

[@jayng153]

Mistakes by this man. 1) Asking permission in the first place. 2) Not naming and shaming the migrants that made the complaint. 3) Taking it down.

[@sammeh6806]

how do you know it was migrants?

[@jayng153]

@@sammeh6806 common sense via lived experience

[@artfuldodger9312]

Andrew, fly your flag with pride - there is nothing wrong with flying our national flag outside your home.

[@ronschwigel8140]

i live in MILWAUKEE WISCONSIN in the USA and i have two flag poles guess what flag i fly right next to my USA flag the UNION JACK. no one dares say a word. because there is nothing to complain about. they look great flying together in the wind.

[@batphink2655]

@@ronschwigel8140 I always like you American much more than Canadians! Hard to imagine we fought against each other but you're such friendly people to me and my family ,I should've moved to America, bit late now though! 👍

[@user-ix1ki1po5r]

100 percent

[@akelly9528]

@@batphink2655what do the usa and the uk have in common? They both have more popular bordering neighbours

[@echochamber1234]

​@@akelly9528 yeah popular because they're powerless and can't do anything to anyone.

[@BelieveInTheLordJesus777]

I’m not even British but living in the UK for 10 years now and find that request to take down the national flag appalling and disgusting.

[@fosphor8920]

I don't even live in GB and I share your opinion

[@LizardOnAMushroom2358]

It's just Britain now, not Great Britain

[@Jimbo818]

@LizardOnAMushroom2358 if you don't love GB, you should leave.

[@LizardOnAMushroom2358]

@@Jimbo818 Oh, Red blooded American here. I'm sure Britain was Great once, but you neutered your Kings and Queens, and pursued the path of the money'd interests. Your liberalism has poisoned your culture, and you are now a servile population. A population that once shared blood and ethics with it's royalty and aristocracy. Now all that remains is a servile people.

[@bullet6140]

@@LizardOnAMushroom2358 How many people don't realise that Great Britain is the Island. It's not the name given to the country of the UK. GREAT BRITAIN IS THE ISLAND SCOTLAND,WALES AND ENGLAND ARE IN GREAT BRITAIN It's why its called the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

[@ojc2612]

Brother from over the pond here. Raise the Union Jack, stand your ground as you did for King and Country before. I to have the American flag proudly waiving on my property and the only way it comes down is to be placed on my coffin. Know that many of us stand with you sir!

[@MoosesValley]

It is great that you show pride for your country ! Keep the flag flying ! P.S. G'Day from Australia !

[@awpqq]

UK is not a country though!

[@TrKz_m]

@@awpqq what lol

[@johnsometimeswrong8742]

Im an Irishman with no great love for the UnionJack but i give it the respect it deserves as the flag of a neighbouring sovereign country....if the Brits dont stand up for their country now in this generation their remarkable heritage will fade away to be replaced by what....

[@keithroberts5611]

True words sir, Use it or lose it!!

[@johnward9486]

Fly the flag and do not heed those unpatriotic fools. Be proud of your country and its wonderful history.

[@PeterLewis-op5gk]

100% correct 👍….. all this woke’ism rubbish…. Never heard so much garbage that people think is the reason to think correct in the first place …. Making a coffin ⚰️ for your own kids.. head and shake comes to mind.

[@SensibleMoniker]

Likewise the Tricolour - I despised what it stood for in the Troubles, but you fly one if you wish to 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧

[@ianperry9914]

I am an Englishman and proud to be so , I have the feeling you have or are about to have the same problem , my very sincere condolences .

[@JoeRichardson-vk6xw]

This is Britain. Fly your flag with prid mate. You have truly earned the right .I salute you.

[@sbor2020]

Don't fly you prid flag but your flag with prid.

[@zainer6182]

Bloody right, a veteran stands for England 🇬🇧

[@JoeRichardson-vk6xw]

I'm an ex military vet, and I did not fight for hatred of my enemy, but for love of my country, I will fly my union Jack wherever ever I want

[@LiClan]

Earned it how?

[@JoeRichardson-vk6xw]

He Earned the right to fly his nations flag in his own back garden because he served his country, unlike most lefty cowards who want to bring a great country down

[@RaGodEgypt]

What a beautiful flag 🇬🇧 Greetings from Mexico. 🇲🇽 Don't let you guys ever get trampled by others.

[@Lizzbird_]

I don’t see why you have to ask your neighbours if you want to put up a flag, if it’s on your property you can put the flag up weather your neighbours like it or not.

[@anotherarmchairhistorian2831]

I'm not sure about over there but I'm the states we have these things called HOA for a lot of neighborhoods. They are a menace and will fine you for stuff like this. You can't do anything on your property without there permission. So glad I live in the country.

[@Lizzbird_]

@@anotherarmchairhistorian2831 I think it’s BS that you have to ask you neighbours to put up a flag that you live in, I’d put one up weather my neighbours like it or not

[@petarnovakovich240]

@@anotherarmchairhistorian2831 HOAs are not a thing over here.

[@anotherarmchairhistorian2831]

@@petarnovakovich240 never said they were.

[@petarnovakovich240]

@@anotherarmchairhistorian2831 You suggested you didn't know if they were or not, so I answered your implied question.

[@cherrypie660]

Put your flag up and be proud.. 🇬🇧

[@TP-mv6en]

Atheist Nihilist Communist There have been worse slaveries than the British enslavement of Africans

[@TP-mv6en]

Atheist Nihilist Communist Anyway, millions of Africans would’ve died due to malaria had Europeans not colonised Africa

[@littlecoder1799]

Be ashamed 😂😂

[@ADUUM_]

@@littlecoder1799 no

[@littlecoder1799]

@@ADUUM_ yes

[@arnoldshannon7222]

UNION JACK is NEVER a nuisance

[@colinscotland2887]

That is not the Union Jack Flag plus nothing great about the United Kingdom but instead of putting that disgusting flag up, you should have put an england flag up instead plus the United Kingdom is not a country.

[@Depat]

It’s a Union Flag, not Jack!

[@carltonholmes8061]

How dare they tell him to take it down. We need to show more patriotism not less. I am sick of people trying to down grade this country to non British. Can’t imagine this happening in the States where they are more Patriotic. 😢

[@minatormyth]

​@@Depatnow tell him why.

[@bionic4368]

Real Brits know when it's a union flag and not a union jack.

[@redtra236]

You know your empire has fallen when you can't fly your empire's flag legally

[@eventocriativo6761]

I don't give it 10 years and we know the flag that will be raised.

[@WalkensAssWatch]

“For it to be a nuisance it must have been making a noise…” Said with straight face as pole makes a noise.

[@ddrum757]

Exactly what I was thinking

[@jefftidwell8783]

You need to get back under your bridge troll

[@gehillz4075]

Rattling in the wind isn't going to cause a noise disturbance from inside your home is it. If that's the case then all windchimes needs to be taken down too. What a load of bollock mate.

[@ddrum757]

@@gehillz4075 Where did he say from within the home?? I think you just made that up haha. A noise disturbance doesn't just have to be heard from inside the home. Yes wind chimes were voted most hated garden accessory in the UK some years back.

[@davidroutledge1732]

Was the "nuisance" the real reason for having to take it down or a just used as a way of getting it taken down ?

[@bigmuthatruckah2356]

Patriotism only offends the people who have no love or respect for their country. Most likely having never served in the military. Fly your colors with pride my friend, as we do across the pond. 🇬🇧🇺🇲 👍

[@Lol-sy9pq]

No. Your flag represents oppression, homophobia, imperialism, and proto-fascism.

[@Lijoue]

Those same people would still expect him to jump were we called to fight. Never mind the duty he will likely feel to fallen brothers in arms. Screw these people.

[@ellismeah8110]

Self hating anti English left wing virtue signalers

[@williamgardner2739]

If you see that neighbour again tell him to go and F%$% him self. if he doesn't like living here then tell him to go somewhere else, like Russia

[@nicho165]

I will fly my country's flag with pride I did not serve but my family members did .Don't give in to Nazi liberal councils and their dogs the police.

[@synappticuser5669]

I'm a Jock, a Vet, and my flag is the Saltire. You fly your flag mate. I think people should be proud of it. More power to you. Jock.

[@LiClan]

Jocks often jump at their masters command.

[@ChevalierDeAlbany]

No Scotsman uses the word 'Jock' to describe himself. Please stop.

[@Rezn8d0utlaw]

I served alongside during parts of the Gulf War and they were some friendly amazing soldiers. Much respect and love to them.

[@quentin6893]

I'm from France so we don't have the best relations with UK but I fully support what you did for your country and how you show it respect now. 🇫🇷🤝🇬🇧

[@MN-vz8qm]

Stop this non sense, France and the UK have great relations, of course as neighbors we have our tensions here and there, but speaking like this is taking it way out of proportion.

[@susanlorraineholloway501]

Everybody who is true British should put up the Union Jack all over the UK. Stand up for your country.

[@andyallan2909]

UK is not a country. It's a union of countries (plural).

[@flippy66]

Ah so you're the gatekeeper of "true British" now? Classic fascist rhetoric there. I'd be careful.

[@romad357]

@@andyallan2909 Actually it is a UNITED KINGDOM and kingdoms are countries. The former independent kingdoms (countries) of England, Scotland, and Ireland were combined into ONE kingdom (country). It is similar to these United States (where 13 countries formed one larger country) except that we have a federal government system while the UK's is more centralized.

[@sbor2020]

Anyone who doesn't should be identified by different coloured stars, should they? Foreigners, homosexuals, gypsies, religious minorites, non-conformists. You people would have loved Germany in the 1930's getting their country back from the woke degenerates, and cultural bolsheviks.

[@charlie271210]

@@andyallan2909 shut up idiot.

[@Juliewelsh10]

We fly our flags everywhere in Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🇬🇧 Bloody disgusting that he was told to take it down.

[@imac-hunt]

Im an English guy have a Saint George's flag in my garden in Swansea for 20 years Never had anything except banter with the neighbours....

[@aaronellis6870]

Unfortunately thats not the case in parts of Cardiff anymore !

[@supermarionugget8657]

Unfortunately, the national identity of England is being suppressed. Anyone who says this is deemed a nazi and or racist for not loving humiliation. While I personally am generally neutral to this country, suppressing national identities will only cause the far right to become stronger and extremism too.

[@crazyasasyn9035]

Welsh and proud 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@freddykran668]

The fact that you cannot raise the flag of the country your LITERALLY living in, our great United Kingdom has fallen, no matter how much you detest, our country is no longer like it was

[@obiwankenobi3375]

Thank you Andrew for your service love from Australia

[@sylesterjones2475]

He may be in the UK, and I'm here in the US in the states. But he believed in patriotism and he believes in his country, as well as I do. And that should be commended, praised, saluted. And never taken down or compromised.

[@ronaldschwigel2286]

PUT IT BACK UP- I FLY MY USA FLAG IN THE USA AND RIGHT NEXT TO IT I FLY MY UNION JACK FLAG. WHO CARES WHAT OTHERS THINK YOU LIVE IN A FREELAND RIGHT? US/UK. WILL ALWAYS FLY SIDE BY SIDE ON MY PORCH.

[@captainchaos1311]

If i had a neighbour that raised the Union Flag then I’d be more then happy to see it then just complain like an idiot, true patriotic war hero

[@ronschwigel8140]

wow sounds like the uk turned communist state, fly your union jack i fly it in the us.

[@user-ix1ki1po5r]

100 percent cant see someone telling an american to take down the stars and stipes

[@jedijake1734]

Didn't you guys go to war with us I'm under the impression you burnd our flag?

[@juliapigworthy]

The entire neighbourhood needs to start flying the flag to make it unenforceable to ban it.

[@user-fh6dv7cm4w]

If it was a Palestine flag, nothing would be said😮

[@ColdWinterz01DMZ]

Facts

[@oliversherman2414]

​@@user-fh6dv7cm4wbut it's not a Palestinian flag

[@The_Duke_2002]

@@oliversherman2414 He said if it was you idiot.

[@Zeeblox]

@@oliversherman2414 well done detective

[@121odin]

Leave it up mate thanks for your service

[@dancallan7907]

Imagine having to check with people on Facebook before you fly your own countries flag IN your own country. This was 5 years ago to they'd probably jail this guy now.

[@jillferguson9260]

Unbelievable. I'm an Aussie exserviceman with British family, and I'm as proud of the Union flag as I am of our own. Rob Ferguson

[@DH-hh5jf]

Well said 👍

[@LiClan]

How do you feel about these proxy wars set up by the financial elite?

[@paddystrongjaw9995]

We will not be divided. 🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🇬🇧. I love my fellow English, Scottish, Welsh, and (Northern) Irish brothers.

[@timparker4160]

You don't like the southern Irish or are you strictly talking parts of Britain?

[@paddystrongjaw9995]

@@timparker4160 Strictly talking parts of Britain

[@vivo-audio]

@@paddystrongjaw9995 Northern Ireland isn't in Britain.

[@paddystrongjaw9995]

@@vivo-audio I use Britain and the UK interchangeably, I do not care for the true definitions of both since most people understand the same meaning.

[@lloydnaylor6113]

​@vivo-audio it's part of the UK nugget.

[@josephbateman7742]

As an American, I know not every country flies flags at every house like we do, I even joke that you cant go more than a mile without seeing old glory twice. But if you cant fly your flag in your own country, you have lost your country without a shot. I am sorry for the true British people. Love from New England.

[@pcvn214]

The complaint should be irrelevent if he has complied with the law

[@rachelbrogan2548]

My son has just joined the Welsh Guards. BRITISH AND PROUD!!

[@suemccready1849]

I'm Welsh but live in England , I put a Welsh flag in my front window on Saint David's day along with a sheep foot stool which is wearing a daffadil hat, & the Saint George's flag for this day too

[@user-te1hi9rx7b]

PROUD OF WHAT?

[@patriciarose6371]

Warm congratulations to your son , you are right to be proud of him

[@sparky7558]

Defend the colours keep um flying.

[@arpdadawg1536]

'never let the old flag fall'

[@stankattitudemira]

Yeah!!!

[@stankattitudemira]

If though I'm From America...!!!

[@yasirujayasuriya7026]

The Colours don't run

[@user-hi3lv1bu7l]

Keep it uhhh in the sky

[@BillzWW2]

Take the so called neighbors to court for harassment.I would also tell them where they could go.

[@scottchapman3555]

I'm a proud American and I don't care if nobody likes my flag, I Love my country and there's nothing wrong to show your love for your country, don't you take down your flag, England is a great country, stand proud, Thank You for your service!

[@dawidbosman5786]

How is it even possible that a British war veteran could be asked to take down the British flag in Britain? This is an outrage! Who are these people, and why are they even allowed the benefit of living in the UK?

[@candjim]

Who could possibly be offended by the union flag, whilst choosing to live in Great Britain?

[@cohort075]

Is there no one you can think of?

[@candjim]

@@cohort075 It must be those age old pensioners.

[@janettetaylor8760]

It's not OAP it's the woke wanker and illegal immigrants

[@barriewatson]

They should be deported.

[@poussinmignon3193]

black and muslim people

[@janiceritchot9505]

You’re a true Patriot , so sorry to hear these miserable people complaining about this . They have no life or love for your country if that’s all they got to do is bother you ! 😢👍❤

[@dougdraxler8409]

Be proud of flying the Union Jack, as retired US Air Force, we have done our duty. Keep flying it.

[@Bongo-sm3mf]

This man has every right to fly the union jack from his own property

[@rhysperegrine5100]

When he moved to that housing estate he signed an agreement that he wouldn't erect any structures (like flagpoles) above a certain height on his property. If he wants to display a flag he's perfectly free to attach one to his house.

[@Bongo-sm3mf]

The same people complaining about this man flying the Union Jack from his own property are promoting the flying of gay pride flags from government buildings!

[@fritzhenning1]

Not according to his contract. Has he challenged this in court?

[@davegaskell7680]

Except he doesnt

[@shiralleehaggart72]

​@@rhysperegrine5100Say that to housing estate residents who have those vile trampolines pushed up against a neighbour's boundary fence and the top of the trampoline towers over the height of the fence.

[@Richnineteenseventyone]

Britishness is being watered down as not to offend Ethnics.

[@199019852007]

It might not be any ethnic minority could be someone else

[@jillm9801]

You mean so as not to offend muslims

[@123452315]

O y v e y g o y

[@LiClan]

True that but these soldiers types are just fighting wars made by the financial elite. It was the same people who sent him to war that caused this. He didn’t have to sign up but he probably doesn’t care.

[@DavidWilliams-px8gg]

Meanwhile walking through a part of "London" Palestinian flags are flying everwhere. For a second I thought I was in the middle east. If I complain lets see how far that'd get me. I'd probably be called a racist​@@jillm9801

[@7greyghost]

I notice that the halyards are banging against the hollow mast, could be a noise nuisance. To prevent this then wrap the halyards around the mast a few Tim’s, tighten and make them fast on your cleet. The wind can’t rattle the halyards now.

[@jtnapolian816]

I’m an American and if anyone told us to remove our flag they would find themselves with a bit more freedom. 🇺🇸🇬🇧

[@balls4992]

No one should be told to remove their flag when it’s on their own property

[@AngloKiwi]

The Mercian flag is great

[@rabbidcrazy787]

What if it was a n_zi or a Confederate battle flag, tho?

[@feudinggreeks3316]

@@rabbidcrazy787 So? Why is the Confederates the same as Nazi's in your mind?

[@rabbidcrazy787]

@@feudinggreeks3316 Both flags are considered offensive to many people. Just saying.

[@feudinggreeks3316]

@@rabbidcrazy787 The American flag is considered offensive to Anarchists, Neo Communists and a wide variety of left-wing groups. Should we remove the American flag too to appease the wants of the mob?

[@maximusmeridius1240]

I'm getting a flag pole, Britain first for me.

[@flippy66]

To put in your flat yeah?

[@jonaldous3446]

Britain first means Britain alone. It is a delusion of grandeur to think Britain can ever stand alone.

[@nicole-denicedevesti5625]

I have a Union Jack, and our bloodline is both English and Black Irish. 57% English and 43% Black Irish. I'm here in the U.S. Keep it flying!

[@bazilbednar2081]

Blessings from America. Keep it flying.

[@levilawliett2569]

We all know from which subcontinent are his neighbours.

[@Russianbro777]

It is a crime to tell this man to remove his flag.

[@marcbrown2189]

What is happening to our country we should be proud this truly is disgusting. 🇬🇧

[@disobeytoday4685]

What's happening is you're sitting back and watching it be destroyed because you're too afraid to die fighting.

[@thisplaceisdeath1465]

@@disobeytoday4685 LOL, what?

[@disobeytoday4685]

@@thisplaceisdeath1465 *What's happening is you're sitting back and watching it be destroyed because you're too afraid to die fighting*

[@thisplaceisdeath1465]

@@disobeytoday4685 LMFAO, behave yourself

[@disobeytoday4685]

@@thisplaceisdeath1465 - As in; behave, slave? Not my style.

[@User_1170]

Any country that doesn't support the display of its own flag is not a country worth fighting for.

[@damienobrien7016]

It's your country, your flag, keep it flying.

[@y2kmadd]

Insanity. It's his property. Be proud. Fly the flag.

[@davecollins9075]

That's the problem, it's not his property it's a rental.

[@leed2883]

"The contract when we bought the house" ​ not a rental @davecollins9075

[@mikezeme6485]

I am a immigrant from Latvia living in UK . I can say I like the Union jack🇬🇧 and any person living in UK needs to respect the flag and the British people

[@earnie6511]

Well said sir and glad to have you here.

[@RobWhittlestone]

Your attutude is exactlly right - we are pleased to welcome people like you.

[@pershaankhan1662]

The company that made the houses forced him to take it down, as it breached an agreement made prior

[@sezles1]

It should be made illegal to have a clause on anything forbidding flying the Union Jack. Imagine a law in the USA stopping them from flying their flag. Sheeesh!

[@m.l.tankesly2665]

We had an HOA here in Virginia, the US, that tried that. Telling a WW2 Vet, he couldn't fly the Stars and Stripes. It didn't go well for them. Virginia now has a state law protecting the right to fly the flag.

[@qasimmir7117]

No one should ever be ordered to lower a flag in the country it represents. It makes the idea of a country pointless.

[@Afro3461]

Maybe a national campaign could be started to encourage people to fly the Union flag across the UK as a sign of patriotism and a protest against the haters, and we all know who they are, the ones who parade their precious red, green, black and white one in our faces every weekend!

[@mathewpalmer9662]

We stand together!

[@martindormer2116]

The state does not have the right to order him to take down the national flag.

[@davemurrell3793]

So you can fight and die for the flag ... But you can't put one in your garden. Disgraceful

[@michaelillingworth6433]

And they wonder why they are struggling with recruitment for the armed forces.

[@berniefynn6623]

You do not worry about offending people in this country with the flag, those offended can sod off.

[@pershaankhan1662]

Nobody said anyone was offended. They said it was a 'nuisance', my guess is from the constant rattling noise

[@berniefynn6623]

@@pershaankhan1662 nuisance covers a lot,this like gross misconduct must be written down, not some ones opinion

[@and7barton]

Yes ! - "Sod off" is becoming my watch-word as time passes, as our pride is being attacked. Keep that flag flying.

[@alanyoung3389]

@pershaankhan1662 only you seem offended by your constant smug comments

[@berniefynn6623]

@@alanyoung3389 MY country mossh, those offended can sod off,coloureds are imports, no history here.

[@jerrywinder7249]

You are "battle hardened "veteran solder ,you deserve to fly the flag !!!!!

[@epgamer1145]

Keep flying it. Don’t back down when you were already holding your ground.

[@MrSimplesimon007]

I wonder if Buckingham Palace have been told to remove their flags...

[@michaelillingworth6433]

Buckinghamshire Palace is being turned into an immigration centre because the only people welcome in London these days are from a so called friendly relegion.

[@paulmorgan3600]

Take a little bit from our American allies ...... "take my flag out of my cold dead hands " !

[@swojal1493]

This is absolutely absurd

[@raymccarty4621]

These horrible neighbours should be ashamed, demanding a veteran remove our flag when he once served our country in order to protect these very people.

[@connormacleod7010]

Thank you for your service command sergeant major

[@stephen2583]

name a shame the neighbours

[@raymondwalsh7957]

EXACTLY---put the moaning neighbours name on here

[@and7barton]

@@raymondwalsh7957 They won't have the guts to show themselves.

[@onil1325ms]

Thank you for your service ❤

[@craigharkins4669]

Mate you're flying it UPSIDE DOWN

[@davidmuckle599]

If it was any other flag no one would dare tell him to take it down. As a retired police officer l applaud this veteran who selflessly served his sovereign in a foreign country and to be treat this way is beyond comprehension. Do not take it down , there is no law apart from spitefullness that can make you remove it. Stand firm on this as this country is in danger, very real danger of being taken over. Thank you for your service and l am pleased you made it home. Many didn't.

[@shiralleehaggart72]

Agree. If it was a 'Pride' flag no one would bat an eyelid.

[@mmac-fr5xu]

It's written in the deeds of the house Dave that he cannot do anything that annoys neighbours .. Obviously the neighbours have two nationalities ,and, although they wanna live here, they frikkin hate our way of life .

[@nigelmorgan3449]

What’s the bet the neighbours are ex boat drivers and they come from that dump call sand

[@nickjanssens]

That sums it up, “many didn’t make it home.”

[@mattphillips6714]

@@mmac-fr5xuthis is a totally grey area that is open to interpretation, annoy can come under noise violations walking across someone’s lawn a pet making a mess.. unpleasant smells via waste of people or animals. A flag is not considered a annoyance violation but more a personal offence so this is a personal attack and should be challenged. Just getting a letter is a way of using power in a way to intimidate the person who has offended someone. Hence this retired police man is right it’s petty spitefulness. It has however happened 4 years ago so the issue has passed..

[@1Frith]

We should all start flying the flag. The Union Jack should be seen everywhere in this incredible country!!

[@fabiosplendido9536]

The Union Flag perhaps, but the Union Jack impossible. It is only called "Jack" when it is flying on board a ship.

[@anthonywhitehouse2295]

What a dream it would be to see our flag flying on every street from every home. In America they fly their flags from there homes so why can't we.

[@mandycheetham-ob2ve]

​@@anthonywhitehouse2295 Mine is always flying in my garden and that's where it will remain in fact most of the street is putting their flags out on the 23rd April for Saint George's day

[@1Frith]

Thank you for pointing that fact out I appreciate it 😁👍

[@1Frith]

@@anthonywhitehouse2295 yes what a dream! My family fought in the second world war for our rights and to save democracy from dictators. The people who don't want us to fly our flag have, most likely, never risked anything let alone their lives and yet they benefit, in every way, because of those who did and do! If our flag offends you look in the opposite direction but don't try ro dictate what we can or cannot do as proud British subjects!!

[@JC-sd3vh]

I personally wouldnt care to put one up, but I bloody well support your right to do so. Also thank you for your time in the Service of your country. Best wishes.

[@markjohnson6817]

Could be the constant clanging of the metal pole. Wonder if he softened the noise (foam tubing or whatever around the top of the pole to reduce / eliminate the clanging) his neighbours may not be bothered by it.

[@jeffreyking279]

Are you serious? The clanging?

[@aab4219]

Paint the Union Jack Flag on the outside of your fence. this is ridiculous.

[@martinwebb1681]

That wouldn't be a problem. The problem is he put up a structure (the flag pole) which was forbidden in the contract he signed. If I were him I would simply dangle the flag from the windows.

[@user-mr1tw2ur8y]

Shocking!!! Disgraceful!!! Proud to support the armed forces and veterans of the UK 🇬🇧 forces.

[@beanmanbutchina]

As much as I distaste the UK, this man has every right to keep that flag flying.

[@OliverAyto]

Keep it up my friend ❤❤❤🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@wsherratt5159]

As a veteran you have given service to your country. If anyone deserves to fly the Union flag old son, it’s you! Covenants on newly built estates are initially binding but not forever. You could seek evidence of the definition in law they are using for nuisance and keep asking questions as the person who made the complaint will have to pay the solicitor each time you request a response. That will focus their attention and their pocket. Finally my fellow veteran, reach out via KZbin to another KZbinr, the Blackbelt Lawyer. He’s great at picking up causes and offering advice at barrister level, which I think trumps the local solicitor. Best of luck. Stay proud!

[@Wessexshire]

That’s just vile. The utter cheek to complain about a national flag when you’re not even of English/British origin being flown shows how much utter entitlement and arrogance they have.

[@Jimbo818]

I think this guy needs to learn how to integrate better. I'd be annoyed with a stupid flag flapping around. Just weird.

[@paulsimin-gv6jj]

i find it OFFENSIVE WITH DIRTY MUSLIMS STICKING THEIR BUMS IN THE AIR AS I PASS BY THEM , they say they are praying , I SAY WHAT FOR ? ARE YOU WAITING FOR ALLAH TO TAKE YOUR BUMS ? OR PERHAPS PENITRATION ? PLEASE SOMEONE TELL ME .

[@TheAntiTrope]

You have no idea who his neighbours are yet

[@folegionnaire4404]

When did they say the neighbours were foreign?

[@elgadgy6508]

First of all you're assuming. Secondly you have a cheek to call anyone entitled.😂

[@nwj03a]

I’m an American, I fly our flag. One of the first things I did when we bought our house was get a mount on the exterior to fly the flag. Patriotism is just a sign you live in a great country and believe in its ideals.

[@calebfenderson9327]

If this was in America we’d be up in arms, don’t disrespect anyone’s nation ESPECIALLY your own

[@NeaAinsworth]

Your a soldier! You have the right to display the flag you fought for, you earned that right.

[@markstarmer3677]

Fly your flag with pride mate, I do. 🇬🇧

[@One.horse.two.knights]

So the neighbour who found flying the Union Jack flag offensive actually paid for a solicitor to write a letter of complaint! 💰 How fantastic it would of been if the whole neighbourhood thought to fly the Union Jack in support…. 💪 🇬🇧💰🇬🇧 💰 🇬🇧💰 🇬🇧💰🇬🇧

[@Silurist]

Says on the government website you're allowed to fly the union jack, in fact is says they encourage it.

[@jamesfairmind2247]

We all know that if it had been a certain "other flag" nobody would have dared to complain, especially the cowardly housing developer. What a disgusting reflection on the attitudes in the UK. In the USA there are dozens of Stars and Stripes flying on every housing estate in the country and if anyone was so unpatriotic as to complain they would be ostracised by their neighbours.

[@drewbewho]

I can think of two "other" flags, so I'm not sure which one. Ah maybe it was a hybrid of those two: the palestinian gay pride flag? Not sure that would exist though..

[@victory2115]

When I’ve been on holiday to places like Spain and Greece, they proudly display their flags everywhere. 😎

[@dingopuppytoo]

It’s one of the things I admire about America- I remember seeing flags on every grave in the Presidio, and thinking that’s beautiful, it shows respect for the dead- I loved that so many people had the Stars and Stripes outside their houses. This is the flag of this nation it should be on EVERY PUBLIC BUILDING BY LAW.

[@John-G]

Do we "all know"? What about a quiet, non-rattling flag at aclegal height?

[@QueenBabylonnia]

I in the USA they ‘pledge allegiance to the flag’, no one would ever complain about their flag being flown on private property. In the UK, it appears that institutions are preferring the flags of other countries, but want the ‘lifestyle and freedoms’ the UK give them. Shame on them.

[@Torexeon]

“The flag would have to be making a noise to be a nuisance” The Flag: 🇬🇧 🔔 🇬🇧 🔔 🇬🇧

[@sandrascott5299]

That doesn't look like a genuine solicitor's letter to me

[@eugeneeastman2740]

This is a absolute disgrace is this what our forefathers fought for?

[@mrigankamaulichakraborty7088]

I am not disagreeing to you saying it’s a disgrace, but the latter half, your forefathers also fought for colonising people and released untold atrocities upon them. They are a disgrace in the name of humanity.

[@20thcenturysurplus]

We weren’t a disgrace but ok

[@Valkaze111]

yet we also helped a few countries in advancing them so cope? lmao@@mrigankamaulichakraborty7088

[@netcurtains]

​​@@mrigankamaulichakraborty7088shut up dirty face

[@andrealegg2527]

​@@mrigankamaulichakraborty7088just like nearly every race's ancestors were disgrace at one point. Whats your point? My very very distant ancestors used to pour hot iron in our 'enemies' ear for punishment. The ottoman empire overrun Europe and castrated the males, raped women then killed them so they would not give birth to heathens. African tribes killed, enslaved each other for centuries. None of you lefties even try to go back further in history, study other countries, continents bloody history. All stuck on colonisation. Learn some bloody history. Colonisation is one (major) reason that we gave some sort of civility amongst different races. Please please swallow the bone that is colonisation and dont choke on it!!

[@user-ml9bl5ox8u]

We need a massive clear out of our councils,this is treason

[@billybirdy9507]

Council had nothing to do with this.