The Ukrainian flag will continue to be flown from Rye’s Landgate after a unanimous town council vote. Councillors were asked to consider whether it was appropriate to fly the flag at their meeting on Monday 27 October.
It followed a request from Troy Benn, whose letter to the council was published as part of the meeting’s agenda. He said the Rye Town Council needed what he described as a “clear and consistent” policy on flags. “While I fully recognise and sympathise with the humanitarian suffering caused by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, I believe that displaying a foreign national flag on a public heritage structure raises several important issues.”
His concerns included a lack of authorisation, worries about bias and the the promotion of a a private political agenda.
The flag on the Landgate, which flies next to the Union Jack, has been in place for over three years since the start of the Ukrainian conflict.
“It’s not political. It’s a show of love and support,” said Cllr Rivett. “It shows that we stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Ukraine.”
“We should show which side we are on,” said Cllr Bookless.
“We don’t need a flag policy because we don’t need one,” said Cllr Boyd. “This is about showing the support this town is giving to the local families and the people in Ukraine.”
There are currently 12 Ukrainian families living in Rye, down from a peak of 25.
“They are so closely entwined with us it would be appalling to take the flag down,” said Cllr Hughes.
Cllr Fiddimore highlighted Rye’s historic connection to Ukraine which includes fundraising for children affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in 1986. “We need to show the people we know here and the people who live in Ukraine they have not been forgotten.”
Closing the discussion, Mayor Andy Stuart told councillors, “Rye must not drop its support for the Ukrainians. The idea of having their flag taken down is horrendous.”
Image Credits: James Stewart .
Fully concur with the decision of the Council. We must show support and take a side in this horrendous attack on a sovereign country, that is also an ally, as hundreds of councils have done across the UK and EU.
Maybe they should add a Palestinian flag? Far more ‘humanitarian suffering’ there …
It should stay up! Imagine having to be evacuated from your invaded country and settled in Rye, the flag shows our support.
Agree completely with the raising of the Ukrainian flag, which signifies Britain’s support for self-determination and international law as much as it embodies our material and moral support for the people of Ukraine, who are fighting our adversary on Europe’s frontline… I applaud the Town Council’s robust decision. I would add that I also have a good deal of sympathy with Phil’s suggestion. Maybe we need a longer flagpole…?