Campaigners have welcomed a decision by Oxford City Council to fly the European flag from the Town Hall.

The city council will fly the European flag from May 5 to 7 and again on May 9 to celebrate two Europe Days.

“Our businesses, institutions and communities have been enriched by our European friends and neighbours who have made their home in Oxford”, said Dr Ruvi Ziegler, chair of the Oxford European Association.

Retiring City councillor, John Tanner said: “The UK is a member of the Council of Europe and it is important to recognise the contribution of the many non-British Europeans who live and work here in Oxford”

Mr Tanner added: “Oxford remains a European and international city”.

The EU celebrate Europe Day on May 5 and the Council of Europe on May 9.

On Saturday, May 8 the city council will fly the Union Jack to mark the anniversary of Victory in Europe in the Second World War.

The European Union and the Council of Europe share the same flag.

Mr Tanner added: “In or out of the EU we are all Europeans as well as citizens of individual nations and proud residents of Oxford.

“Flying the European flag is about solidarity and a commitment that never again will Europe be torn apart by war and destruction.”

May 5 marks the Schuman Declaration in 1950 which proposed the Coal and Steel Community, and eventually led to the European Union.

May 9 is the anniversary of the Council of Europe set up in 1949 to promote democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

The UK has a delegation at the parliamentary assembly of the Council of Europe, and Oxfordshire MP John Howell is its leader.

The Council is a non-EU organisation which the UK has remained a member of after Brexit..