Government buildings will have to fly the union jack every day and people are not impressed

Flag discourse has been flying high in recent days, with the government now announcing that the union jack to be flown on all UK government buildings at all times.

The move comes from the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport department with culture secretary Oliver Dowden stating that the flag is “a proud reminder of our history and the ties that bind us.” Government buildings in Northern Ireland are covered by separate laws.

Previously, flags were only required to be flow on special occasions such as the Queen’s birthday but now they will be flown 24/7. Local councils will also be encouraged to fly the flag as well as the NHS flag. However, planning permission will be needed to fly the EU flag.

Of course, this comes after BBC Breakfast presenter Charlie Stayt mocked Tory minister Robert Jenrick for the size of the flag that the MP had in his office.

There are, of course, some people who really, really care about the Union Jack and will welcome this news. Others are just tired of seeing news of the flag whilst there are a few other things going on.

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Others pointed out the negative cultural and historical significance of the flag.

Former leader of Plaid Cymru, Leanne Wood called it ‘bloody nationalism.’

This video of the German chancellor refusing to wave the German flag because of the potential connotations has gotten a lot of traction in the past few days.

Of course, there were one or two jokes.

Former Brexit Party MEP Christina Jordan mocked Charlie Stayt and his co-host Naga Munchetty off the back of the news.

We’re in a pandemic, a recession, pushing forward with a massive vaccination drive, and there are other - less world-changing facets of current affairs - that really do just seem a bit more important than a flag.

But from having it fly on Government buildings, whether devolved nations will be involved with its adornment, and how it can be used within ‘culture war’ arguments, discussion on the Union Jack is surely taking up a lot of stage time.

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