On 25 January, the Lords enthusiastically backed legislation which provides that, for the first time, the Union flag must be flown on certain days—known as designated days—on government buildings in all parts of the United Kingdom.
Hitherto, Northern Ireland has had its own list of designated days . It will in future be part of one common UK list. In a highly symbolic way, Northern Ireland’s constitutional position will be vividly demonstrated.
Alistair Lexden said: “It is entirely right that, throughout our country on designated days—in all four portions of our United Kingdom—the flag under which we all live should be flown. It is splendid to think that there will be days when Cardiff, Edinburgh, London and Belfast will all be flying the emblem of our great nation.”
He added: “A particularly important day approaches: Accession Day on 6 February when we mark the start of the Queen’s reign in 1952. I trust that the Union flag will be flown proudly in all four parts of our country on 6 February this year in honour of the 70th anniversary of the Her Majesty’s Accession.”
