New rules set to be enforced mean that UK government buildings in Wales will be forced to fly the Union Jack Flag every single day.
UK Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden, stated the decision will be “a proud reminder of our history and the ties that bind us”.
At present, Union flags only have to be flown on all UK Government buildings on specific days, for example the Queen’s birthday.
The new edict, which will come in to effect in the summer, will request that the flag be flown all year round, unless another flag is being flown – such as another national flag of the UK, or a county flag, or other flags to mark civic pride.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “The Union flag unites us as a nation and people rightly expect it to be flown above UK Government buildings. This guidance will ensure that happens every day, unless another flag is being flown, as a proud reminder of our history and the ties that bind us.”
The Government has also cut red tape to allow dual flagging – where two flags can be flown on one pole. They say this will allow organisations to highlight their local identity alongside their national identities, for example by flying the Welsh dragon flag alongside the Union flag Wales. Other flags may also be flown on non-designated days including a Saint’s Day.
A statement said: “The department will ask that all UK Government buildings in England, Wales and Scotland fly the Union flag every day. Union flag flying in UK Government buildings in Northern Ireland is covered by separate legislation.”
Other authorities, institutions and individuals can fly any flag at any time if it follows planning requirements. The flying of national flags, the Union Jack included, is not regulated in England, Wales and Scotland.
Local Government Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said: “Our nation’s flag is a symbol of liberty, unity and freedom that creates a shared sense of civic pride. People rightly expect to see the Union Flag flying high on civic and Government buildings up and down the country, as a sign of our local and national identity. That’s why I am calling on all local councils to fly the Union Flag on their buildings – and today’s guidance will enable them to do that. We’ve also cut red tape, allowing councils to also fly their county flag at the same time.”
The decision was taken after BBC Breakfast presenter Naga Munchetty was involved in an ‘anti-patriotism’ row as she joked about the size of the British flag on display in Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick’s office. Fellow BBC presenter Huw Edwards also revealed that he was ‘ordered’ to delete a tweet of himself with a Welsh flag by his BBC bosses.