Ukrainian flag taken down in Royal Wootton Bassett

The Wiltshire town first displayed the blue and yellow colours in March 2022 to show support for the country during its ongoing war with Russia.

The Ukrainian flag was flown alongside the town flag, and until recently had only been removed for events such as the King’s birthday, Armed Forces Day, Pride Month, and D-Day celebrations.

In late 2023, the council stayed firm in the decision to fly the Ukrainian flag despite criticism from the public. 

Some locals demanded that the flag be taken down while others questioned why the town council had not acknowledged the ongoing Palestinian conflict in the same way.

But now over two years on from the date the flag was raised, Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council has decided that the time has come to take it down.

Royal Wootton Bassett residents will no longer see the yellow and blue flag in their High Street. (Image: Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council)

In doing so, the council have been keen to emphasise that the town still fully supports Ukraine and Ukrainians seeking refuge in Wiltshire.

"At the full council meeting on Thursday, May 23 2024, a motion was proposed by Councillor Steve Bucknell and unanimously supported by the town council to amend the existing flag schedule, and fly the national flag of England as our default flag in the High Street," said a spokesperson for the town council.

"Other flags may be flown at certain times of the year."

"This in no way diminishes our support for the Ukraine, as we all know these attacks continue, and the thoughts and prayers for those innocent people in the Ukraine have continued from the people of Royal Wootton Bassett ever since," the council added.

"We hope that residents and visitors of Royal Wootton Bassett will be proud to see our national flag flying in our High Street from the start of July, a flag to include all of society, and to represent what England represents for many people: tolerance and diversity."

The Ukrainian flag is being replaced with England's St George's cross. (Image: Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council)

To show continued support for Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia, the town will raise the Ukrainian flag once more on the anniversary of the conflict on February 24, 2025.

However, this will be a one-off event and the St George's Cross and town flag will be the only flags raised permanently.