Dale Vince, founder of green energy company Ecotricity, has criticised what he calls a “glaring double standard” in the way Western nations respond to global conflicts, contrasting their actions on Russia’s war in Ukraine with their stance on Israel’s treatment of Palestine.
Vince is currently in dispute with Stroud District Council over the flying of the Palestinian flag at his Ecotricity headquarters in Stroud. Yesterday, he reaffirmed his commitment to fly the Palestinian flag, despite requests from SDC to apply for planning permission.
“We believe the council are wrong to claim this flag needs planning permission and we’d like to establish that for the benefit of others. And so we will not be removing the flag of Palestine from our building. Or applying for planning permission for it.”
Mr Vince also accused the council of double standards, saying their decision not to fly the Palestinian flag at Ebley Mill contrasts with their choice to fly the Ukrainian flag in 2022 following Russia’s invasion.
“I’ve been flagging (forgive the pun) the enormous double standards of ‘Western’ countries when it comes to Ukraine and Palestine for some years now. This is a good example,” Vince said.
“When Russia invaded Ukraine, the West responded with unprecedented sanctions, openly seeking to ‘break the Russian economy,’ and has so far provided around £300 billion in military aid for Ukraine to defend itself. Public solidarity was visible everywhere – with Ukraine’s flag flown across towns and cities.
“In stark contrast, there are no sanctions on Israel for its decades-long occupation and recent military actions. Instead, we supply Israel with weapons, despite mass civilian casualties, destruction on a scale unseen in Ukraine, and openly stated plans of ethnic cleansing.”
Vince argues that such selective enforcement of international law undermines the credibility of Western governments: “The most incredible double standards you might imagine are on display – and the Global South and Middle East look on as we preach the rule of law and international order, principles that clearly only apply when it suits us.”
A long-time advocate for justice, climate action, and human rights, Vince says the council’s stance not to display the Palestinian flag reflects the broader pattern of political expediency overriding consistent ethical principles.
A Stroud District Council spokesperson said: “In England, certain flags may be flown without the need for express consent from a local planning authority.
“Those not needing consent include national flags of states recognised by the UK Government, including Ukraine. Flags of international organisations of which the UK is a member, and flags representing local authorities or public services also fall into this category. However, the Palestinian flag is not listed among those with automatic or deemed consent.
“This means that display of that flag on Ecotricity’s Lion House building is treated as an advertisement under the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) (England) Regulations 2007, primarily to ensure that displays don’t negatively impact public safety or amenity. Therefore, advertisement consent must be applied for.
“We remain committed to applying planning regulations fairly and consistently, and we can provide guidance to anyone seeking clarification on advertisement consent requirements.”
