DUP: Decision to fly Union flag every day on government buildings must be extended to NI

It was revealed this week that all government buildings in England, Wales and Scotland will fly the Union flag every day, following new guidance from the culture department.

Currently flags are only required to be flown on certain days such as the Queen’s birthday.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden described the flag as “a proud reminder of our history and the ties that bind us”.

Government buildings in Northern Ireland are covered by a separate law.

The guidance released by the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport department says the Union flag should be flown every day - except on those occasions where another flag is being flown. The guidance will only apply from the summer.

DUP Westminster Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said: “Many will see it as bizarre that the UK Government is only deciding in 2021 to fly the Union Flag, the flag of our nation, on all government buildings every day.

“When I visit other nations around the world, flying the national flag on government buildings is commonplace.

“The decision to exclude Northern Ireland, at this stage is wrong and runs contrary to New Decade New Approach which sought to align us with the rest of the UK when it came to the Union Flag being flown on government buildings.

“This is a matter we will be pressing the Government to address.”

Mr Donaldson added: “The publication of the Dunlop Report and the response from the Government, are positive steps in terms of promoting the Union and on binding the UK together, but the major fly in the ointment remains the Northern Ireland Protocol which this government created and implemented. It is deeply damaging to the Union as it places a trade border between us and the rest of the United Kingdom.

“If the Government wanted to immediately improve the Union, they would start with the removal of the Protocol.

“Overall the fact the Government is alert to the importance of promoting the Union is positive and there are constructive proposals to bind the Union together in terms of the Great New Office of State in the Cabinet.

“Importantly Northern Ireland would still retain a seat in the Cabinet but this new Office could integrate Northern Ireland and the other regions better in terms of decision making and would more closely align us with the rest of UK.”

A new cabinet post and fund should be set up as part of plans to strengthen the union, a review has said.

The Dunlop Review was set up in 2019 by then-Prime Minister Theresa May, to ensure UK government departments worked in the best interests of devolution.

Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove said the report had provided “constructive” reforms.