Following the publication of new official guidance, the Union flag is set to fly year round on UK Government buildings in England, Scotland and Wales. The current guidance requires only that UK Government buildings in these three countries fly the Union flag on designated days. From summer 2021, however, the Union flag will fly daily […]
Archive | Flags in the News RSS feed for this section
More flags at UK Parliament
Flags are flying in the House of Commons precincts, an historic first that sends an ‘important message of welcome’ to all. Following a Commonwealth Day ceremony on Monday 8 March, three flagpoles now stand at ground level in New Palace Yard. The location offers much greater visibility than the existing flagpoles high on Portcullis House […]
To flag or not to flag
According to The Guardian newspaper, the British government has changed the policy on flying flags on royal birthdays, with local authorities no longer required to raise the Union Flag for Prince Andrew. The Queen’s second son withdrew from public life and royal duties after a disastrous television interview defending his friendship with the late US […]
Half-masting for Barcelona
Following the terrorist attacks in Barcelona and Cambrils, and the tragic deaths that resulted, it is appropriate that flags should be flown at half-mast on Friday 18th August. The guidance issued by HM Government states only one day of half-masting, but in previous incidents we have had three days of half-masting, so flags could also […]
Half-masting for London Bridge
Following the terrorist attack on London Bridge and at Borough Market, and the tragic deaths that resulted, it is appropriate that flags should be flown at half-mast on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Further guidance should be issued by HM Government on Monday. In the UK you are free to fly the national flag at half-mast […]
Half-masting for Manchester
Following the explosion at the Manchester Arena, and the tragic deaths that resulted, it is appropriate that flags should be flown at half-mast on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Further guidance should be issued by HM Government on Tuesday. In the UK you are free to fly the national flag at half-mast whenever you feel it […]
Italian earthquake: national mourning
In central Italy, in the early morning of Wednesday 24 August 2016, at least 240 people were killed when a 6.2 earthquake hit the region around Accumoli, including the town of Amatrice and the village of Pescara del Tronto. At the time of writing rescue workers are still searching for survivors amidst the ruins of the houses. Obviously current efforts […]
French national mourning for Nice
In Nice, on the night of Thursday 14 July 2016, at least 84 people were killed by a lorry driver deliberately crashing into the crowds on the Promenade des Anglais, where they were gathered to celebrate Bastille Day and watch a fireworks display. Following these tragic events, the French government has announced national mourning for the […]
New Zealand Flag referendum: victory for existing flag
New Zealanders have voted to keep their existing national flag. The second and final round of the country’s referendum shows 56.7% voted for no change, while 43.3% voted for the Kyle Lockwood-designed alternative (below). Over 2.1m votes were cast, a turnout of 67.3%. John Key, Prime Minister of New Zealand, had campaigned for a new […]
New Zealand Flag referendum: final round
The final round of the New Zealand Flag Referendum has begun, which will decide once and for all whether New Zealanders will keep their current flag or change it. The challenger, Kyle Lockwood’s Silver Fern (Black, White and Blue), must defeat the existing national flag in a simple head-to-head ballot, which began on 3rd March […]
Join or renew online
