CEP: Flying the flag
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Wednesday, 20, Jan 2010 12:06
The Campaign for an English Parliament congratulates Andrew Rosindell MP on his success in securing all three of Parliament's flagpoles for the patriotic purpose of flag flying.
However, in proposing that Parliament should fly three Union flags, Mr Rosindell fails to acknowledge the dual role of Parliament as both the Parliament of the United Kingdom and the parliament that governs England.
The Campaign believes that Parliament should acknowledge its English function, its responsibility for the people of England and its duty to promote a civic pride in England, by flying the national flag of England - the Flag of St George - from one of its flagpoles all year round.
In the absence of an English parliament to represent English interests democratically, the Campaign further believes that on St George's Day, in accordance with the Government's flag flying guidance (reproduced below), Parliament should fly an additional Flag of St George to mark respectfully England's national day; and should additionally fly Scotland's flag on St Andrew's Day and Wales' flag on St David's Day, alongside the Union Flag and the Flag of St George, thereby recognising the multi-national nature of our Union.
Flag Flying Guidance
"The Government has decided that, to celebrate the Union's constituent parts, on the patron saints' days of Scotland and Wales, the Saltire of St Andrew and the Welsh Dragon Flag may also be flown with the Union Flag on Government buildings in the wider London Whitehall area where there are two or more flagpoles.
Under the flag flying guidance, on St George's Day the Cross of St George may be flown from UK Government buildings in England with two or more flagpoles."
Department for Culture, Media and Sport; 13 February, 2009.
Gareth Young
Campaign for an English Parliament
gpy1973@hotmail.com
Contact tel: 0797 32916 118
20 January 2010