Portsmouth City Council workers removed an England flag from a balcony on Tuesday, 14 July, the day before England's World Cup semi-final against Argentina.
Doorbell footage shared online shows two workers at an estate behind King's Street cutting the flag's plastic ties and carrying it away. Reform UK councillor George Madgwick said residents had reported the removal to police as theft.
Council leader Steve Pitt said fire safety rules require communal balconies to be kept clear of items that could catch or spread fire or block access, including flags. Madgwick disputed that this flag posed a fire risk and urged the council to delay removals until after the tournament.
Former home secretary Suella Braverman has written to the council leader asking him to investigate and halt the removal of the England flag.
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