A Norfolk council has started flying the Ukraine flag at its headquarters in an apparent riposte to the decision by Reform UK to remove it from County Hall.
The blue and yellow flag was hoisted above South Norfolk Council's base on Broadland Business Park, on the edge of Norwich, on Thursday.
This was two days after Reform announced it was removing the banner from County Hall, saying only local and national flags would be flown from the building.
SNC - which has previously only flown the flag on Ukraine's independence day, each August - sent out a press release announcing its decision to do so this week.
It did not refer to Reform's move or offer any explanation as to why it had seemingly suddenly decided to fly to flag.
Daniel Elmer, Conservative leader of the South Norfolk Council, said: "Flying the Ukrainian flag is a symbol of the council’s continued commitment to the Ukrainian people, who are bravely defending their freedom and democratic values."
Mr Elmer, who is also a county councillor for Forehoe, said: “The Ukrainian flag is a beacon of hope, of freedom and of unwavering strength and this act of support serves as a reminder of the global community's responsibility to stand with those fighting for their independence and a just peace.”
A spokesman said South Norfolk had “thrown open its doors” to help refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine when Russia first invaded in 2022.
The new Reform administration at Norfolk County Council revealed on Tuesday it would only be flying Union flag, the flag of St George, the Norfolk one and the Norfolk County Council one from County Hall.
Its new flag policy means it will no longer fly the Ukraine flag or the Pride Progress banner.
David Bick, the new leader of the county council, has stressed that the decision does not represent a diminishing of support for Ukraine.
“We are proud of our national and local flags and it is entirely appropriate that these are the only flags flown above Norfolk County Hall," he said.
“The lowering of the Ukraine flag should not be interpreted as any reduction in support for the Ukrainian people.
“Norfolk has welcomed and supported those displaced by the war and this support remains unchanged.”
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