Farage’s four-word takedown as Khan bans taxi drivers from flying England flags

Nigel Farage has accused London Mayor Sadiq Khan of “hating England” after London cab drivers were banned from flying England flags during the Euros.

Transport for London (TfL), which is responsible for the capital’s transport network and is chaired by Mr Khan, has warned the city’s 125,000 cab drivers they face stiff penalties – including the loss of their black cab licences – if they fly the Cross of St George in their vehicles.

Officially, symbols are banned over concerns they could distract drivers and other road users.

However, Chelsea-based cab driver Fred Perkins told The Sun: “It’s nonsense. It’s all coming down from Khan at the top, because he’s ultimately in charge.

“Our society has really gone woke when we can’t fly a little flag for England for the Euros. Loads of drivers used to have flags on their cabs in years gone by.

“How can a little flag be a distraction compared to the great big advert on the side of my cab?”

Reform UK leader Mr Farage was quick to wade in on X, formerly Twitter, saying: “Khan really hates England.”

A spokesman for the National Private Hire Association cabbies’ organisation told Express.co.uk: “We do feel quite strongly that the banning of such signage is unreasonable and unfair.

“Whilst we do understand the whole principle behind ‘unauthorised signage’ and the risk of causing conflict, this is not a regional flag to support an individual team which may lead to conflict, this is supporting the nation’s team in the Euros.”

TfL guidelines state: “Breaches of regulations could lead to a formal sanction – such as a warning, fixed penalty notice, prosecution or licence review.”

A TfL spokesman said: “For the safety of all passengers and drivers, we have guidelines about what can be displayed in or on taxis and private hire vehicles.

“Only official signs and stickers can be displayed.

“Any other signage or flags are not permitted because they could cause a distraction to other drivers and other road users.”

Mr Farage and Mr Khan have sparred frequently since the latter was elected London Mayor in 2016.

The former UK Independence Party leader has challenged Mr Khan frequently on issues such as knife crime and ULEZ.

Mr Khan meanwhile accused then-UKIP leader Mr Farage of “breathtaking ignorance” for saying his party would scrap race discrimination legislation.

Express.co.uk has contacted the Mayor of London’s Office for comment.