Over the last week, we have seen St. George’s flags and the Union flag flying across our town and villages.

These flags should be symbols of our shared history, our shared values, and our shared future. They remind us of the generations who came before us, of the sacrifices made in the name of freedom and fairness, and of the pride we feel in belonging to this great country and this remarkable community.

These flags have always been significant in my life. These are the flags my father served under, the flags my grandfathers served under, the flags I walk beneath each day as I go to represent the people of Harlow. It is a cornerstone of who we are – not as individuals, but as one people bound together by common cause. Most of the flags we see have been affixed to streetlamps, which are the responsibility of Essex County Council. It is ultimately their choice what happens with the flags.

But let me be absolutely clear: there is a massive difference between flying the flag and committing acts of vandalism. Across the country, we have seen cases of paint on shops, council buildings, and private property. That is not patriotism; it is criminal damage. That is not pride in your country; it is an insult to the values the flag represents.

Harlow is a place defined by generosity, kindness, and pride. I have seen, time and again, the remarkable way our community comes together in moments of challenge and in moments of celebration. I hope that the flags we see are symbols of pride and are not being used as tools of anger or hate. I, like some of you, have seen recent videos from across the country showing horrific racist incidents.

Harlow is a welcoming place. It is something built into the very fabric of this new town, which welcomed people from across the country. As your MP, it is my duty to this town to call out racism when I see it.

Because true patriotism does not divide, it unites. Our flags should never be used as a weapon. It is a reminder that we are stronger when we stand together, when we celebrate our differences, and when we remember the sacrifices made, which means that we can fly the flag with such pride.