Newmark issues apology over Operation Raise the Colours ‘nonces’ slur
Hertsmere Council leader says 'remarks came against the backdrop of false claims by Tommy Robinson that our council is paying to house asylum seekers instead of local residents'
The Labour leader of Hertsmere Borough Council has apologised after he labelled those behind a campaign to raise the Union and St George’s Flags as a “bunch of criminals, extremists and nonces”.
Jeremy Newmark made the remarks at a full council meeting earlier this month as he responded to a question from Conservative councillor Brett Rosehill, who accused him of attempting to “constantly link our national flag to extremism”.
In a response that drew immediate gasps of disapproval from his opponents, the former chief executive of the Jewish Leadership Council and ex-Jewish Labour Movement chair said:”I’m sorry, I’m not playing. I won’t be taking lectures on our national flag and extremism from a councillor who has the audacity to speak in almost glowing terms in his question to this council about Operation Raise The Colours.
“Operation Raise The Colours, an organised and orchestrated attempt by a bunch of criminals, extremists, nonces… to hijack our national flag”.
Following a backlash, Newmark apologised for his remarks saying: “I accept that some of the language I used was wrong and am sorry for that. I also accept that some people have ascribed a broader meaning to my words and am very sorry about that indeed. That was not my intention. It does not reflect my views.
“My remarks came against the backdrop of false claims by Tommy Robinson that our council is paying to house asylum seekers instead of local residents.”
His apology on the Hertsmere Labour website added:”I’m proud to be part of a Labour-led council that expresses patriotism by building decent homes, by ensuring no one is left behind and creating good jobs and economic growth so that local people feel pride in their work.
“I am sorry that my remarks have been interpreted in the wrong way and reaffirm my pride in our work to promote positive community relations in Hertsmere.”
Jewish News had previously revealed how at the same council meeting on September 17, Newmark had pledged to remove antisemitic, racist, and other offensive graffiti within 24 hours of receiving consent to do so—after condemning red-painted “Free Palestine” slogans that appeared near the entrance of a building functioning as a synagogue in the borough. Hertsmere leader speaks out over ‘Jew-baiting’ pro-Palestine graffiti
“When those words appear daubed in blood-red paint immediately outside the entrance to a building that serves as a synagogue, Jewish Community Centre, and religious study centre, we know why that location has been chosen,” he told the meeting.
Despite the apology, the local Tory Group has continued to call for Newmark to resign. One senior Labour source has also described the council leader’s remarks as “strange”.
The Tory Group demanded that “an urgent and impartial investigation be launched into both the comments and conduct of councillor Newmark”.
The row has made national newspaper headlines, and has been the subject of discussion and ridicule on the television channel GB News.
Grassroots activists behind Operation Raise the Colours have said they are motivated by “pride and patriotism”.
But a report by the Hope Not Hate charity alleged that one of those involved with the campaign is Andrew Currien, previously jailed in 2009 after a 59-year-old man was crushed to death by a car following a violent brawl, according to the report.
Formerly a key member of the English Defence League’s leadership bodyguard team, and now running security for the far-right party Britain First.
Currien’s X social media account linked to a fundraising page where he is collecting money to “help us purchase new flags so we can continue putting them up”.
Far-right group Britain First claims to have provided many of the flags in north west England.
Like many boroughs across the country Union and St Georges flags have been raised in some parts of Hertsmere.
Hertfordshire County Council has said it will remove flags from lampposts in line with its public safety policy.
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