It’s our Union Flag — fly it with pride
THE majority of Britons, at least those who support the UK, are not ashamed of the Union Flag (Letters). We just don’t need it to feel a sense of belonging. We are bonded by the same language, unique culture and range of customs. We already know that we are one nation, one people. I value my country more than its flag. Of course, when anyone does want to display the flag then we should respect it. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to show your patriotism, and for military veterans who have risked their lives to serve the country it must mean a great deal more. EMILIE LAMPLOUGH,
Trowbridge, Wilts. THE announcement that the Union Flag is to be flown from Government buildings is welcome and long overdue. Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden could go further and announce it will be flown from all publicly funded buildings, including schools, hospitals, police stations, fire stations and the BBC. Let’s reclaim our national pride.
COLIN SIMPSON, Wendover, Bucks. THE paradoxical thing about this determination for ostentatious displays of Britishness is that it is a profoundly UNBRITISH thing to do. It is part of our DNA that we don’t boast, blow our own trumpet or go on and on about how wonderful we are. There is no mystery about where the change of style is coming from. Our political establishment is obsessed with imitating the U.S. The former bureaucratic process of naturalisation has been replaced with a showy citizenship ceremony because that’s how the Americans do it.
ROGER SCHAFIR, London N21. AFTER the criticism of two BBC presenters making fun of a minister for displaying the Union Flag in his office, I believe news broadcasts should also display this national symbol. After all, the first ‘B’ in BBC stands for British.
HARRY SMALLSHAW, Atherton, Lancs. CAN we make sure the Union Flag is the right way up — broad white stripe uppermost adjacent to the mast. Can you imagine the outrage in the U.S. if the Stars & Stripes was flown upside down?