Edinburgh council to remove Palestine-Saltire flags attached to lampposts

It comes after hundreds of people emailed the council, ward councillors and the media, expressing concerns about the flags which they said have ‘caused genuine distress in parts of our local community’.

They added: “This is particularly true for Jewish residents, who increasingly feel uncomfortable and unsafe in their own neighbourhoods as a direct consequence.”

In the bulk email campaign, residents said: “While it is essential to protect freedom of expression, using council-owned property is not an automatic right. Public infrastructure should not be repurposed to promote political messaging, particularly when such messaging is divisive and causes community distress.”

The email goes on to claim the Gaza Genocide Emergency Committee may be behind series of flags which are attached to lampposts between Leith Street and London Road. The Gaza Genocide Emergency Committee has been approached for comment.

It comes after the council removed a number of Saltire and Lion Rampant flags attached to lampposts on Calder Road on September 12 after they emerged in the Sighthill area on September 9.

The emergence of national flags in Sighthill occured after the ‘Operation Raise the Colours’ campaign in England that saw Union Jack and St George’s Cross flags attached to lampposts in recent months. This is thought to have inspired similar scenes across Scotland and seen anti-migration campaigners protest outside hotels housing asylum seekers.

Supporters of the movement claim the flags represent national pride but critics say the flags are being erected to intimidate ethnic minorities.

A City of Edinburgh Council spokesperson said: “Attachments to street furniture can only be made with the permission of the Council. These flags do not have such permission and will be removed in due course.”