Union Flag Bill introduced

A Bill to end restrictions on flying the Union Flag is to be introduced in the Commons. Its sponsor, the Tory MP Michael Fabricant, warned that unless action were taken, the British flag could end up as an exhibit in a history museum. He said: "It is time for us to show how proud we are of our own country. In the past, the Union Flag has been hijacked by extreme right-wing groups like the National Front. We should now make [it] available to everyone to fly in their gardens and at their place of work.

"At the moment, you have to get planning permission before you can even erect a flagpole. Government buildings are allowed to fly the flag only on 20 days a year, and those have to be special days. We should allow them to fly it whenever they want." The Union Flag Bill will come before the Commons next Wednesday.