Cllr Jeremy Newmark has issued a statement via the Hertsmere Labour website following his controversial remarks at a full council meeting last week (September 17). He described the movement as “an attempt by a bunch of criminals, extremists [and] nonces to hijack our national flag”. Following a backlash, he said: “I accept that some of the language I used was wrong and am sorry for that. "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." Hertfordshire County Council has said it will remove flags from lampposts in line with its public safety policy.