Union flag

"It feeds into the narrative that the government cares more about Palestinian flags than Union flags," another Labour MP said.

But the party's MPs are eager to take the fight to Reform and insert themselves into the national debate, as St George's Cross and Union flag are displayed in towns and cities across the UK.

Union flags and St George's flags have been appearing in communities across the country and have divided opinion.

About 200 people gathered outside the Epping Forest District Council building where a woman climbed the steps and unfurled a Union flag before being detained by officers after refusing to leave.

Saltire and Union flags were waved and there were also signs reading "save our futures and our kids' futures", the name of a group that called the protest.