Nigel Farage accused Labour of “hating” the St George’s flag as a furious war of words erupted. The Reform UK leader hit back after Labour minister Torsten Bell claimed the insurgent party should spend less time “worrying” about flags.

It comes as councils have come under fire for taking down Union and St George’s flags put up on lampposts as part of a patriotic online movement called “Operation Raise the Colours”. When asked about the furore, Treasury minister Mr Bell told Sky News: “I haven’t seen any of those stories. But I’ll tell you about an important flag, because it was VJ Day last week and I was in Swansea.

“And there’s a flag in the minster in Swansea, which is a Union Jack made by people who were prisoners of war, captured in Sumatra during the Second World War, made out of what they could have to hand during that process.

“And they did that so that they could bury British military servicemen during that war who died in captivity.

“So flags can be really important, that was a very moving ceremony last week. I don’t know about the story you’re talking about, but flags are really important, particularly when they recognise our national story.”

Pressed on whether he had anything against Reform actively making a point of flying British and English flags, he said: “What, to encourage flag flying?

“Look, my honest view is that if Reform spent more time worrying about improving public services rather than which flags they were either wanting up or wanting to ban, then the country would be a better place.”

In response, Mr Farage told The Telegraph: “I think Torsten Bell reveals the real Labour Party.

“They hate the English national flag with a passion which puts them at odds with working-class England.”

All 12 Reform-controlled councils across the country have vowed that they will not be removing Union and St George Cross flags from lampposts.