Reform's conference in Birmingham earlier this month saw Suella Braverman promise that under a Reform government schools would be required to fly the union flag, this has sparked local political debate about patriotism, education and identity.
Reform's spokesperson for Education, Skills and Equality's comments, as well as Dudley Council's announcement that they would not follow Birmingham's lead and take legal action to remove flags flying on lampposts, has raised talking points across the region.
Suella Braverman said at Reform's NEC conference "under our Reform government , every school will be obliged to fly the union flag."
Local councillors have had their say.
A former Member of Parliament for Dudley, and the current Reform councillor for Upper Gornal and Woodsetton, Marco Longhi said:
"On schools, I would support the inclusion of national flags and the national anthem as part of a wider civic education policy."
"Schools should help children understand the country they live in, its history, institutions and democratic traditions."
"Flying the Union Flag and the St George’s Cross, and singing the national anthem, can be a straightforward way of fostering a sense of belonging and shared identity.
"I do not see why that should be controversial."
"It should be about bringing people together around a shared national identity, not excluding anyone" added Marco Longhi.
Councillor Steve Edwards for Brockmoor & Pensnett is more critical of Reform's idea of what portraying patriotism looks like.
He said: "Forcing children to worship any God and sing the National Anthem under a mandatory Union Flag is not patriotism.
"This Reform youth project is outrageous."
He argued that true patriotism should be rooted in education about Britain’s social history and the struggles of ordinary people.
He said: "If we want children to be patriotic then give them a country to be proud of.
"Teach them how their grandparents defeated the Nazis and Fascism."
"Teach them about the Women Chain Makers of Cradley Heath and how they fought for a fairer wage and equality."
Both councillors also had their say on both Dudley and Birmingham's stance on the removal of flags from our streets, particularly those put up on lampposts.
Councillor Steve Edwards said he agreed with Dudley Council's stance to not take legal action to remove flags like Birmingham, but raised concerns about the flags deteriorating state.
"I agree with the council statement on flags."
"My only issue is the state of tatty flags. If they are there with a symbol of pride then the people who put them in places legally should maintain them."
Former MP Marco Longhi agrees, that legal action was not the correct path for Dudley Council, but believes worn flags should be replaced not removed.
He said: "I am very pleased we are not going down Birmingham’s route."
"Our national flag is something to be proud of, not something to be embarrassed about."
The former MP said: "What can look poor is a flag that has been left torn, battered or hanging in a state of disrepair.
"Those should be replaced or removed and disposed of respectfully."
"Supporting our flags should also mean taking care of them."
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