Westminster council considers 'all options' for Banksy's flag statue

Westminster City Council says it is considering "all options" regarding a statue associated with street artist Banksy, after confirming it holds responsibility as the statue's custodian.

According to the council, its role includes ensuring the safety of the statue, which has drawn public attention due to its connection to Banksy, an artist whose works often attract significant interest and controversy wherever they appear. The statement did not specify the precise nature of the safety concerns prompting the council's review, nor did it outline a timeline for a decision on the statue's future.

Banksy's works, whether in the form of street art, sculptures, or installations, have frequently posed logistical and preservation challenges for the local authorities and property owners connected to the sites where they appear, given the high public interest and, at times, risk of damage or theft associated with his pieces. Local councils in areas where Banksy artworks have appeared have in the past had to weigh decisions about protection, relocation or removal of such works, balancing preservation with practical and safety considerations.

Westminster City Council's confirmation that it is the statue's custodian indicates that any decision about its future will fall, at least in part, to the local authority, though the council did not indicate whether it was consulting with other stakeholders, including the artist or a representative acting on Banksy's behalf, given his well-known preference for anonymity.

Further updates on the council's review and any decision regarding the statue's future are expected as the process continues.