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Allister calls for parity with UK on Union Flag

26 May 2008

Statement by Traditional Unionist MEP Jim Allister:-

"Since the publication by HMG of its White Paper on the "Governance of Britain" and its relaxation of the protocol whereby the Union Flag can now be flown year-round on government buildings, I have been in correspondence with the Secretary of State, urging that he maintain parity in Northern Ireland with the GB practice.

Despite trying to avoid the issue in his first reply, Shaun Woodward in his most recent response has conceded that parity with GB was the argument used to restrict the flying of the flag to specified days back in 2000. It follows that if "parity" is the touchstone, then it should now dictate a reversion in Northern Ireland to the restored GB practice.

However, not for the first time the Secretary of State has demonstrated that parity is a one-way street, only to be used when it suits the government. Hence he has declined to initiate amendment to our legislation. This is intolerable. I call upon all Unionist MPs and MLAs to now demand parity of practice and esteem in this part of the Kingdom for the Union Flag.

Parliament Buildings at Stormont has autonomy on when the flag is flown there, so, I have written to the Speaker urging him to initiate the necessary action to have Stormont lead by example by flying the Union Flag every day. It is shameful that a devolved parliament within the UK does not constantly fly the nation's flag. Now is the time for Speaker Hay to go for parity with the UK."

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NI politics