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