Winning back our right to fly the St George's flag

I was attending Liberal Democrat Conference during Conference recess in September and my colleague Tim Farron MP led a rally cry in support of reclaiming our patriotism. He stated "We will not have our history, our heritage, and our home stolen by the poison of nationalism" and that we must stop "being so flaming squeamish and English" and reclaim the UK's flags from groups who seek to "divide and destroy". 

During his speech Tim carried a St George’s flag - he also stated “Our flag does not belong to Liberals, or to Conservatives, Reform, or to Labour. It does not belong to one creed or to one race. It belongs to one person, the British people. We will not let our flag be used to intimidate. We will not let our flag become the property of a minority”. 

I am saddened a flag that represents the English nation is becoming associated with the far right, as happened with the Union Jack in the Seventies when it was appropriated by the National Front. I personally believe we need to win back our right to fly this flag from the people who wish to spread division. It is clear the St George’s flag means different things to different people. On the actual practicality of putting up flags, there are clear rules for this. It is clear street furniture, lamp posts & railings should be kept safe and Merton Council has the powers to address such issues. 

Those who paint signs on private and public property are clearly committing criminal damage and can be prosecuted accordingly. I cannot see any liberal argument for preventing people from flying legitimate flags on their own private property, as long as it is done safely.