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Fly the flag

DEPARTMENT FOR CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT News Release (087/07) issued by The Government News Network on 25 July 2007

Plans to fly the Union flag on Government buildings every day of the year were published today by Culture Secretary, James Purnell.

At present Union flags are flown on only a few days a year. The consultation paper launched today proposes giving Government departments the freedom to fly the flag every day. The review is part of wider Government constitutional reforms.

Mr Purnell said:

"The union flag is a powerful symbol of both our heritage and modern, diverse Britain. It brings us together in solidarity and shared identity. We want to hear people's views about whether Government buildings should be allowed to fly it every day."

The current protocol on flag flying on UK Government buildings in England is set out by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). It suggests that Government buildings fly the Union Flag on flag flying days specified by the DMCS. There are currently 16 such days each year, plus State Opening of Parliament, Prorogation of Parliament, State Visits and the death of Heads of State. The 16 days includes St George's Day (23 April) when the St George's flag accompanies the Union Flag and Europe Day (9 May) when the European flag is flown with the Union flag.

Government departments with naval interests are also able to fly the Red Ensign on Merchant Navy Day (3 September) but not with the Union flag.

Notes to editors:

1. The consultation document can be found at http://www.culture.gov.uk/Reference_library/Consultations/2007_current_consultations/flag_flying.htm. The deadline for responses is Friday 9 November 2007.

2. The Union flag (also known as the Union Jack when flown at sea) is the national flag of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The current design dates from the Union of Ireland and Great Britain in 1801.

3. Individuals, local authorities and other organisations may fly the Union Flag whenever they wish, subject to compliance with any local planning requirement. However many local authorities and other organisations choose to follow the Government practice.

4. The consultation extends to Government buildings in Scotland. Flag flying at Scottish Executive and Scottish Parliament buildings is a matter for those bodies. The consultation does not extend to Northern Ireland as the flying of flags in Northern Ireland is governed by the Flags Regulations (NI) 2000, and there are no plans to change this arrangement.

5. A summary of responses will be published within three months of the closing date.

6. On 5 July 2007, DCMS suggested that Government buildings in England, Scotland and Wales fly the Union Flag at all times during the consultation period.

7. For more information about flag flying please visit: http://www.culture.gov.uk/flagflying/default.htm

Public Enquiries: 020 7211 6200
Internet: http://www.culture.gov.uk