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. Council will REMOVE England and Union flags from lamppostsOperation Raise the Colours ‘a bunch of nonces’, council leader saysDespite Cllr Newmark's apology, the borough council's Conservative group has called for him to be suspended from the Labour Party. Hertfordshire County Council has said it will remove flags from lampposts in line with its public safety policy.