Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC) has denied it is pursuing legal action over community flags after Reform UK claimed the authority was preparing to seek an injunction to force their removal.

The Reform UK Group on SMBC accused the Conservative-run authority of "rank hypocrisy", alleging it was considering legal action against flags displayed on lampposts and public land across the borough despite publicly supporting them.

In a statement issued in response to the claims, a council spokesperson said officers had met with another local authority that had secured an injunction in order to understand its reasons for doing so, but said no further action was being taken.

The spokesperson said: "Council officers have met with one council that has secured an injunction to understand their reasons for seeking an injunction. No politicians were involved in this meeting and no further action is being taken as a result of the meeting."

Reform UK Group leader Cllr Samantha Gethen said she had spoken directly with the council's chief executive and claimed officers had failed to rule out pursuing legal action over the flags.

She said: "I've spoken to the council's chief executive directly about this, and what's become clear is that the Conservatives are not being straight with residents.

"They say they love the flag - but behind closed doors they're preparing to spend your money taking it down."

The party argued that any injunction would result in public money being spent on legal action at a time when council services are under pressure.

Download our Nub News App!

- It’s FREE and available now
- Breaking news notifications
- Your Town in Your Pocket

Reform UK is calling on the Conservative administration to publicly rule out seeking an injunction and provide further clarification to residents on the issue.