A DECSION to remove the Ukrainian flag 'will be a blow' to the community but a council leader promised support would continue.

Cllr Michael Hadwen, the county's new Reform UK leader, has decided to replace it with the St George's flag outside the authority's headquarters in Endeavour House.

It will now fly alongside the Union and the county council flags.

The leader said the England flag was an important symbol and it was right for the authority's flagpoles to 'once again focus on flags representing our nation and our country'.

Cllr Hadwen.

"We are proud to fly the flag of England and celebrate our national identity, heritage, and the communities we serve," Cllr Hadwen said.

This follows a similar decision taken by Essex County Council's new Reform UK leadership earlier this month, shortly after the elections, which the authority replaced with a second Union flag.

Suffolk County Council had flown the Ukrainian flag since Russia's invasion in 2022 to show solidarity with the country and those who were displaced.

Alan Cutting, who leads Ukraine response on behalf of Together for Ipswich, warned the decision would leave some asking themselves if the welcome they were receiving was genuine.

"In one sense, I understand that sadly, because of the longevity of the war, any local authority would have to review what it's going to be doing," he said.

"Emotionally, it will mean something to the Ukrainian community – it will be a blow to them, and it will add to the uncertainty.

"The Ukrainian community feels the ruthlessness or the limits they have in terms of really integrating into society, always wondering what's next."

The council administers the Government's Homes for Ukraine programme, which houses those displaced by the conflict in local homes, supported by residents.

Cllr Hadwen said the support for Ukrainians living in Suffolk would continue despite the decision.

"Our decision to fly the St George's Cross is not a statement against the people of Ukraine, nor does it diminish the solidarity and support Ukrainians in Suffolk have received from this council and local residents in recent years.

"We will continue to support those affected by conflict and hardship around the world while remaining true to our commitment to always put our communities first."

Cllr Rout

Cllr Richard Rout, whose Conservative Group put up the Ukrainian flag to begin with, said the leader was 'no friend' of the families who now call Suffolk home.

He said: "It's hugely disappointing and divisive that one of Reform UK's first acts controlling the county council is to take down the Ukrainian flag, which has flown here since Russia's illegal invasion.

"It would have been quite possible to install an additional flagpole to fly the St George's Cross, had they wished to do so.

Cllr Andrew Stringer, whose Green Group forms the council's main opposition, said it was 'deeply concerning' the leader took the decision without bringing it to a vote.

He said: "The UK has really got behind the Ukrainians in their struggle against illegal Russian occupation in the last few years, and Suffolk residents have welcomed them into our community and literally into their homes.

"Anyone with any imagination can empathise with how it might feel to have to flee your home when it becomes a war zone, and you and your family are no longer safe.

Cllr Martin Cook, the Labour Group leader, added: "Honestly, I think voters expect the new Reform administration to be dealing with the pressing issues of Ipswich's traffic problems, potholes and SEND failures rather than engaging in gesture politics."