The Conservative opposition on North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) will lead calls to fly the Ukraine flag from council buildings once again, despite Reform UK policy only allowing national flags.

The request, which is set to be made at full council on Thursday (June 25), will ask for an exception to the rules for Ukrainian Independence Day, on August 24, 2026, and for the country’s flag to be raised from all council buildings.

The NNC administration has said it ‘fully supports the people of Ukraine’, but added that it currently has a ‘clear flag flying policy which ensures a consistent and politically neutral approach’.

Cllr Helen Harrison, group leader of the Conservatives in North Northants, will propose the motion to be seconded by her colleague Cllr Wendy Brackenbury.

North Northamptonshire Council flying the Ukraine flag outside the Corby Cube in 2022. Credit: Google Maps

placeholder image — North Northamptonshire Council flying the Ukraine flag outside the Corby Cube in 2022. Credit: Google Maps

The motion states: “Ukraine has now been fighting for her independence and freedom against the invasion of Russia for more than four years, longer than the period of the First World War.

“At a time when the world’s attention is being pulled away by conflict in the Middle East and support from the USA is uncertain, it is vital that the UK remains solidly committed to the just outcome of this war in Europe.

“Flying the flag of Ukraine from our public buildings on Ukraine Independence Day is a fitting way for our council to show our solidarity and continued commitment to the people of Ukraine.”

Just over one year ago, on June 3, 2025, the new Reform UK administration made a delegated decision to stop flying non-national flags following its success in the local elections.

The Union flag flying outside the Corby Cube, North Northamptonshire Council Credit: Nadia Lincoln LDRS

Flags ditched by the new leadership include the Progress Pride Flag to support the LGBTQ+ community, the pan-African flag marking Black History Month and the Ukraine flag, which have all been seen flying from various council flag posts in the past.

At the time, a council spokesman said that NNC was ‘committed to flying of the Union Flag’ as a symbol of British national identity, but added that it would fly ‘other national flags when it is appropriate to do so’.

As part of Armed Forces Week, the Armed Forces Day flags were raised yesterday at all four of the council offices, with a small ceremony taking place at Corby Cube on Monday, June 22. The flag consists of half of the Union Flag, with text at the bottom reading ‘Armed Forces Day, Show Your Support’.

This has been one of the only exceptions to the rule so far, with a similar tribute taking place in June last year, on top of NNC raising the VJ Day flag in August 2025 to mark the historic day’s 80th anniversary.

Photos from the Armed Forces Day flag-raising ceremony on Monday, June 22, 2026 Credit: NNC

Responding to the Ukraine flag motion, a spokesman for North Northants Reform UK told the LDRS: “The administration fully supports the people of Ukraine and their right to defend their country against Russian aggression.

“However, North Northamptonshire Council has in place a clear flag flying policy which ensures a consistent and politically neutral approach to the flags displayed on council buildings.

“While we recognise the sentiment behind this motion, we do not believe exceptions should be made on a case-by-case basis.

“Councillors will have the opportunity to debate the motion at full council.”