Havering councillors have locked horns in a passionate row over whether the Union Jack should be seen fluttering proudly above the town hall.

All 31 Labour members of Havering Council last week voted down a motion by the Tories to have the national flag hoisted over the building each day.

But Cllr Andrew Rosindell, also the Conservative Party's prospective parliamentary candidate, claimed borough-wide support for the motion and pointed to the example of other countries in flying their national flag over public buildings.

He said: "Why an elected councillor should vote against flying our national flag is completely beyond me.

"I hope they feel ashamed when they walk into the town hall next time, with an empty flag mast above them. What must visitors think?"

"The Union Flag is a wonderful symbol of British national unity. It represents every one of us, regardless of politics, religion or ethnic origin.

"Our flag is precious and should always be given a place of honour, especially above our town hall."

He paraded his dog Spike, sporting a Union Jack coat, at a mock referendum on the flag issue at the town hall on Friday.

But council leader Cllr Ray Harris, who tackled Cllr Rosindell in a radio debate on the issue last week, hit back accusing the Tories of "hijacking the agenda".

He also disputed suggestions in the national press that keeping the flag folded up was to prevent aggravating relations with racial minorities, after Cllr Margaret Latham pointed to the flag's links with far right groups in debate.

Explaining the decision, Cllr Harris cited the need, along with other town halls, to abide by the Queen's command on dates when the flag could be raised. He said: "Cllr Rosindell has made ludicrous suggestions.

"The fact we are being distracted by an issue about a flag is remarkable and is an attempt by the Tories to hijack the agenda.

"And to suggest that the Labour council is anything but patriotic is a nonsense. I have just spent a morning with MPs finding out how we can save jobs locally, a far more important issue."

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